GLASGOWgum UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2008 |FREE

SCOTLAND’S OLDEST AND BEST STUDENT MAGAZINE GUM.GLASGOWSTUDENT.NET

GUM•1 Editors : Franck Martin & Jim Wilson Features Editor : Catriona Matheson Chief Writer: Gerry McKeever Web Editor : Aidan Cook Content : Franck Martin Design : Jim Wilson Cover Image : Recoat Gallery

Contributors: Justin Caselton, Laura Doherty, Zoe Grams, John Hutchinson, Jessica McBride, Scott McGinlay, James Rae, Ali Stoddart.

Special Thanks : Zoe, Bob, Amy & Ali, Nicola, Hazel G, Chris & Angie, Gillian, Cara, Jude & Vic Wasps Artists Studios, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, New Look, Miss Selfridge, Marks & Spencer, Recoat Gallery, Polaroid, Glasgow Science Centre.

All works © their authors 2008.

Contact GUM Email: [email protected] Phone: 0141-339-8541

Glasgow University Magazine John MacIntyre Building University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ

2•GUM Alright pal! Welcome to GUM, your free slice of Glaswegian life and times lovingly complied by a troop of over worked and underpaid hacks. We have trawled the depths of sub-culture to bring you a collection gumof the real, the random and the rapturous. Mr. Andrew Rae, of Monkey Dust fame, was good enough to have a quick chin wag while the proprietors of the Recoat Gallery (323 North Woodside Road) kindly invited us into their urban abode to have a chat about graffiti and angry old women. BUT if that does not get your pulse racing then the surreal world of telepathic may just do the trick. At GUM we do not like to take chances when entertaining you, our precious reader, so in the name of depth we fired in some material about the dreaded credit crunch and asexuality. Failing that our pick of the West End’s best venues and choice of 5 artists to look out for this year will surely keep you happy. No? Well before you throw this bad boy in the bin have a swatch at the travel section and get lost in images of Tokyo, the exotic world of Fijian beaches, a new world wonder and a Bangkok revolution while our damn sexy fashion shoot is the equivalent of a medieval feast for your eyes, yum. If this collection of journalistic riff raff fails to satisfy your brains hunger for something new then GUM has failed and we offer a full and frank apology. Kindly write us a lengthy letter of complaint - we will definitely read it. Safe home!

GUM•3 ASEXUALITY INVESTIGATED

LAURA DOHERTY

Nobody can deny that the world around us is pretty sexy. It’s fit into traditional stereotypes. It’s an attractive place for those how advertising agencies sell products to us, it’s how we like our experiencing ‘unique’ sexual orientation due to the many music videos and soap operas, it’s how we like our agony aunt subcategories of asexuality: the term asexual isn’t quite as columns, it’s just how we like things, ok? But imagine there were simple as it might first seem. Under the asexual umbrella there people in the world who had no interest in sex whatsoever, that are different types of ‘a’s; those who seek romantic relationships would be weird, right? Well, not really: a rather large proportion (‘ro’s), those who lack a romantic drive (‘aromantics’), those of society maintain they have no sexual desire whatsoever, and who maintain romantic attraction to others (-hetero, -homo, what’s more are completely happy with their situation. -bi) and even those who are sexually active within their own relationships but lack sexual attraction. With this in mind, you The definition of an asexual is ‘a person who does not can label an asexual with romantic inclinations to both men and experience sexual attraction’ – not to be confused with celibacy, women as an ‘a-bi-ro’, an asexual-bisexual-romantic: how’s that asexuality is not a lifestyle choice but an orientation itself. for precision? A study conducted in Britain in 1994, in the fallout of the AIDS epidemic, asked participants for information regarding their Angela, a 25 year old asexual, offers her insight into the sexual orientation: 1.05% of those asked answered that they network: “When I found AVEN it suddenly all made sense: It had ‘never experienced any form of sexual attraction’ while was helpful just to know there was a word to describe me and 30% of those surveyed declined to answer this section of the I was not the only one.” Angela had realised the differences questionnaire. between herself and her peers in her early teens: “I could not understand why they would refer to a boy as ‘hot’. I could If we consider the original statistic of 1.05% of the population recognize what others found attractive, it just didn’t do anything claiming that they feel no sexual desire, this percentage still for me. I always assumed I would meet someone and have represents 60 million people worldwide. Dr. Anthony Bogaert, sex to have children, the idea of sex for pleasure didn’t really a Canadian professor of sexuality, has also highlighted that this enter into it.” Now Angela has found her own identity within figure may not be telling the whole story. the asexual label, she finds the sexual presence in the world a lot more bearable: “I have to say I am rather indifferent – it He argues that statistics representing the number of homosexual just doesn’t interest me so I ignore it, although I know some and bisexual people frequently fail to accurately calculate the asexuals can find it alienating.” actual number of people on the ground. Thus when calculating the number of asexuals throughout the world the figure we She remains positive that attention around asexuality can only currently have will no doubt prove to be much higher. be a good thing: “I would like to think that it will mean the word gets out, that the asexuals are there, they just aren’t saying As with any growing community in the world there comes an it. At least if the word is out there they have a word to describe online presence. Aven, the Asexual Visibility and Education themselves and they would know they are not broken. The only Network, is the biggest asexual online community connecting thing is the implications of ‘coming out’ are not as clear: to those wishing to discuss asexual matters. The interesting thing come out as gay you might know what the implications might be about AVEN is that it doesn’t just attract one type of person in terms of your job, religion and family, whereas with asexuals but acts as an information and support point for friends or it is not that clear. Until we get those answers - who knows? A partners of asexuals and is a haven for those who just don’t few more coming out wouldn’t hurt though...”

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4•GUM WORDS : GERRY MCKEEVER ILLUSTRATIONS : ANDREW RAE

Andrew Rae has come a long way from his days of producing flyers for a Shoreditch club night. He has published numerous books, released a short film and been involved in over ten major exhibitions while his BBC3 show, Monkey Dust, perhaps his most famous work, a macabre look at modern British society. Following his ‘Of Beasts and Machines’ exhibition at Glasgow’s Recoat Gallery earlier this year, the London-based artist Andrew Rae talks to GUM about art, illustrations, music and plug creatures. GUM•5 uring the last year what have you been ...so it just helps everyone to be involved? working on? Yeh but gradually it’s become a bit more of a... well now we’re a Well at the moment I’ve just been designing some stuff for Ltd company and we have a studio where we all work etc... but GreenThing which is a website that’s trying to raise awareness we still work on individual projects and then on group projects. about green issues. I’ve designed this little character called a So as an illustrator it’s quite nice, you can work on a group Greenthing for the various different things they’re trying to project and step outside of yourself, because as an illustrator get across, like ‘don’t use so much electricity’ - so there’s a you have to have a fairly defined style that people can recognise Greenthing and he’s got plugs for a head, stuff like that. so it’s nice to be able to step away from that.

Did you have any qualms in taking on the animation work You do have an instantly recognisable drawing style, you’ve done for MTV? what was it specifically that allowed you to find your own direction? No I didn’t really have any qualms to be honest, how do you mean? I guess it just kind of came around that way really. There’s a distinctive line quality that I’ve stuck to, that was something that Just that a lot of people would argue that the stuff that’s quite early on I definately thought people responded to. So I on MTV isn’t the best, the whole American Hip-Hop thing developed that side I guess, but to me it’s more about getting that’s going on... ideas across.

No that’s true, I wouldn’t disagree with that entirely, but So it’s more about the content for you? the stuff I did was actually with MTV Asia so it was a quite different setup really. I went out to Singapore and Kuala Kind of, yeh I would say that. I like using text things as well Lumpur as a kind of build up to it, it’s interesting when you go within things but I think there’s something really nice about out there and see how they’re building all these new buildings, getting ideas across purely visually if you can. Although people like in Singapore they just ripped the heart out of the town. So always respond well to text, it draws you in, once you can read for the animation we tried to get that in a little bit, like there’s it, it’s like you’re reading an image, so people see more in it I an animation of this old guy sat in an old hut with old music think that way every now and then. then suddenly this big building comes in and drops on him. So you can look at it either way, maybe you think that the new Do you have a show up at the moment? building is a good thing, or maybe you don’t, it makes it two- pointed I suppose. Uh, no. I did a show up in Berlin a little while ago with Jon Burgerman and Ian Stevenson With your animation work, after the success of Monkey Dust, are you planning any more projects in a similar vein Cool, how do you feel about working in a gallery based or do you want to go in a new direction? way?

To be honest I’ve been concentrating on illustration more since It feels quite alien to me, although it’s something that I’d like then really. The trouble with animation is that it becomes quite to do more of because it allows you to create original artwork a beast and it can get out of hand. It’s an awful lot of work as which is quite a nice thing to do. well. But I’m working on this Greenthing at the moment for instance and doing some animation work on that. In the studio It must be quite a high-pressure situation to put your own were I work in we have animators, I’m not strictly an animator. show on, to say ‘this is me, come and look’... I kind of design the characters and stuff, so although I do a bit of animation I think I’m really an illustrator. Yeh it is, and it’s a lot of work as well, it takes quite a while to get everything together for something like that, especially when Can you tell us a little about your setup with the Peepshow you’ve got other commercial jobs on in the meantime, it can Collective? be hard to find the time. But these days I’ve started working in a much more... like in the old days I used to do really rough Yeh, we’re a group of nine people, and we share a studio. We sketches on whatever piece of paper was around but these days set it up just as a website to keep costs down for ourselves I’m trying to make it have a nicer finish, so with all the jobs I’m really, and for a little network of people that we could all lean doing I’m actually building up a collection of work that I can on, you know, helping to go and see clients together or... exhibit in the future and see how my work has developed. 6•GUM Ok, so you incorporate what you’ve been doing into your shows?

Yeh I work that way because otherwise you sit down and think ‘what am I going to do for this show’ and you’ve got this blank page, but if it’s more of an ongoing thing it works better.

What kind of music are you listening to right now?

I’m quite interested in that new Metronomy album that’s coming out (ed: ‘Nights Out’ was released 8th September), just by listening to a bit of that on MySpace. I think they’re Brighton- based, they’re a kind of dance act.

What is your lasting impression of Glasgow from the show you did at Recoat?

Haha, my lasting impression? It was very cold and... no, it was really fun. It’s weird because my family is from there so just round the corner from were the gallery was (Recoat Gallery, 323 North Woodside Road) is where my Nan used to live so I have these childhood memories of hanging around there. When I first got there I thought ‘that bridge looks really familiar, but I’m sure all the bridges look like that in Glasgow, no wait I do know that bridge.’

That is strange, so I suppose you’ve come full circle.

Yeh I guess.

Have you felt the need for any more Buckfast since being here?

No, I haven’t actually. Maybe if I need to power some sort of engine or something I might... but drinking it? I’m not sure about that.

Haha, fair enough. So tell us about the more interesting things happening in your area of London just now?

What’s interesting, that’s a really good question... There’s all sorts of interesting things happening in our studio, but I don’t get that much further out, haha.

So you are pretty trapped in there?

Yeh, once you close the door it’s like London’s gone...

Much of your work is arguably quite political, how do you view the current political climate here in the UK?

I am not sure I want to get into politics too much, but it seems If you would like to know more about the beautifully surreal world of like a but of a mess doesn’t it? Mr. Andrew Rae then visit www.andrewrae.org.uk GUM•7 RECOAT GALLERY

WORDS : FRANCK MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY : JIM WILSON

8•GUM In a year the Recoat Gallery has snowballed from its West End corner to become a hub for Scotland’s graffiti and ever blossoming street art scenes. Gum met with owners Amy and Ali to find out how these artists got to where they are and learn where they hope to go.

Friday is fast becoming Saturday and the to come up from London. It went really come up and got involved with our years smell of spray paint lingers at 323 North well”, concludes Amy with an obvious sense anniversary celebration.” Ali’s excitement is Woodside Road. An enthusiastic yet of pride. justified as his name drops are those of some subdued crowd stare into a torch lit alley way of the global graffiti scenes most important but passersby seem somewhat bemused by A gallery dedicated to street art and graffiti trail blazers and brightest talents. the spectacle. is somewhat new in Scotland, with Ali and Amy being the proud owners of Scotland’s Outside talents aside, I ask how they feel I grow acutely aware of the ever increasing first dedicated space. “How did you come about the current Glaswegian graffiti strength of the fumes as I wriggle and to open the gallery?” Again Amy is the first scene and unsurprisingly Ali is the first to to speak. “We had seen galleries like this in answer.“It has got a good structure that has We are doing this London and Melbourne but Scotland was kept going in Glasgow while other cities to bring the art to missing out. We live very close to what is have not been so lucky. There are guys Scotland to allow people to experience now Recoat and one day we noticed that it that do amazing pieces and if there were it for themselves and had a to-let sign on the window.” Ali quietly more legal walls people would be able to allow Scotland sits listening at his desk, a delicate ecosystem appreciate the talent in the city.” “There to show the of letters, scrap paper and spray paint cans. is also a whole new generation coming world what it I notice he is absentmindedly doodling a through”, adds an excited Amy. “They are can do bubble letter on a bill as he listens to his the age that Ali was when he started so that partner. makes them the third or fourth generation excuse my way to the front of the late night of Glaswegian graffiti artists.” throng - and the reason for this noire affair? “Ali had always wanted to open up a place A birthday party of course. Yet unlike most called Recoat and suggested that we check it During the 1990s Glasgow City Council one-year-olds the Recoat Gallery was not out”, continues Amy. “We set up the gallery once supplied graffiti artists with spaces content to allow its first anniversary to be to promote Scottish artists work, there is so to create their art without fear of breaking defined by teddy bears and kisses from an much talent here and so as we could bring the law, aka a free wall. However the graffiti army of aunts. Instead it flew in some of the exciting graffiti and illustration artists to eventually moved from the legal to the UK’s best graffiti talents, hosted a late night Glasgow and let Scottish people see their surrounding illegal spaces as artists battled live paint, held a ground-breaking exhibition work. That way the scene can improve and to outdo each other. In response the Council of Scottish and global talent and gave out we can help to inspire - the kids do seem to shut down all the free walls. free beer – hazza. be responding.” “There will always be people who are as I return to the gallery the following week to Suddenly Ali cuts Amy off, gesticulating much into painting as they are into tagging meet with Ali and Amy, a couple addicted to mock quotation marks in the air as he does and bombing”, highlights Amy. “That is the street art and graffiti culture that effortlessly so. “For want of a better phrase ‘keeping it way it is in Scotland but Glasgow clearly exude its style and craft. The live paint is still real’ is quite high on our list of priorities.” wants to be perceived as having shed its on my mind so I begin by asking how such Amy laughs and picks up her sentence. rough image. The council do not want an event came to materialise. “Once you start selling out you lose what people going through Charing Cross and you were trying to do in the first place. We seeing graffiti like it was back in the day, so “Scot Wilson is a manager at Manifesto wanted to make owning art more accessible the graffiti has gone underground. Yet, if Clothing in Dundee”, begins a softly spoken but this is our livelihoods, we also need to you open up the city, as has been done in Amy. “He is famous for being a collector make money.” San Francisco or Melbourne then you get of street wear stuff and Ali knew him graffiti everywhere and it can make a city loosely so we asked him if he would like to “I can’t believe that we have work by Crash famous.” co-curate a show with us. He agreed and and Daze” adds a wide eyed Ali. “They are decided to put together an exhibition of the early early New York pioneers who started The Council’s distain for graffiti has thawed friends he has met along the way. We were the scene and we have their work hanging as of late and they have even recruited Sam very lucky to have work by Fatsarazzi, Futura on our wall. We also have work by guys like Bates, an Australian graffiti artist famed and Dave White and Jahan. Red Bull also SHEONE and O. Two from the live paint, for his photo real work, to produce a series supported the event and paid for three artists real ground breaking UK artists who have of murals for the Commonwealth games. GUM•9 Scotland has lots of

different levels of graffiti and this

gallery is a new step for the

whole street art movement...

Another finger twitching move took place “We are slowly trying to edge towards the Amy is first to respond, though Ali is clearly last year when Glasgow Underground idea of those walls being back in public eager to give his view as well. “I would approached Recoat with the proposition of and show that it is possible for walls to describe that as semantics. Graffiti, street art, allowing a group of graffiti artists to paint a be managed and maintained – it is tiny bombing, stencils – those are just words. The mural at the SPT Underground Festival. steps though.” “So do you think what has people who struggle with it are the purist happened in Glasgow has had a significant graffiti artists. Even the guys who started The impressive finished product was a effect on the health of the Scottish scene?” back in the day have always struggled with collaborative piece from Ali, Amy, Sam I reply. this. Do you sell out if you sell your work? Bates, Rogue, EJEK and the Edinburgh I think that is something that every artist artist Elph. “Who approached who?”“Back “Duncancumming.co.uk and scottishgraffiti. struggles with.” int day”, jokes Ally in his best Yorkshire blogspot.com are good indicators of the accent, “that used to be one of the halls strength of the scene as they contain “People say that it is vandalism but there of fame. We knew the PR Company doing thousands of pictures that have been taken is a creeping change where people say ‘I the Subway festival and they asked us if we across the whole of Scotland. Lots of know it is illegal, but oho isn’t it cool’”, wanted to do anything with the space and people send their photos to the site and it she continues. “For example, many of our we did.” has become a real hub for the scene and the customers say ‘so this is graffiti, just like forums allow artists to communicate with Banksy but most artists are nothing like Local reaction was positive with other artists, each other”, clarifies Amy. Banksy. Art should be accessible and it residents, SPT workers and passersby all should not be an elite pass time to make it or voicing their approval, though one elderly “Scotland has lots of different levels of own it. I do not see how it matters where the resident was not so elated. “Is it true that an graffiti and this gallery is a new step for art is, if a piece is good then that should be old woman gave you abuse while you were the whole street art movement,” continues all that matters.” painting?” Ali. “Analogue books in Edinburgh were an inspiration to us to set up Recoat. They “I have always thought it was a bizarre thing, “Dogs abuse”, answers Ally, casting a wry hosted some graf before we did but it was what is cool about working in the Co-Op smile my way. “She was shouting at Elf, not a dedicated space in the same way we for 40 hours a week and never achieving screaming ‘you are not even young, you are are.” anything”, concludes Ali. “Why is that better not even a wee boy, what the fuck are you than making a living out of being creative? doing?’” I cannot help but laugh. “We had In certain circles the concept of a ‘graffiti Don’t waste your time in a shit job wasting a sound system and drummers, the works”, gallery’ is regarded as an oxymoron, yet your time and your talent.” adds Amy “But there must have been some more and more are springing up across the confusion between the residents and the world. Despite this new direction early artists The Front Row, a couture fashion inspired council but it was all above board, we even such as KaySlay argue that legal graffiti is a exhibition, opens on the 10th of October 7- had the permission of the shop who owned paradox and graffiti is only genuine if done 10pm. There will also be a bargain show on the wall.” Ali is keen to highlight that he on a train or on public property. I put this 14th of November 7-10pm with all pieces hopes Kelvinbridge was only the start question to the Recoaters. under £40. From more information visit 10•GUM GUM•11 FEELING TH£ PINCH WORDS : CATRIONA MATHESON PHOTOGRAPHY : JIM WILSON

The ‘credit crunch’ is not a cereal bar. I bet properties could be repossessed and then this year and more than half the population you knew that, but just four weeks ago, I re-sold for a profit, the American housing has scrapped treats such as cinema trips didn’t. market plummeted. as they attempt to tighten their belts. The outcome of the ‘credit crunch’ may also Any student returning home after a year Often, financial institutions use customer’s be more long-term than was first expected. studying abroad will tell you that whilst at debts as a source of income which they can With employers recruiting fewer graduates in first things may seem the same as before, invest. As fewer people are able to pay off a bid meet budgets, recent figures from the little differences begin to crop up. For their debts however, such institutions are Office for National Statistics show there are example, there are a couple of new cafes unable to take on more debt themselves now 8 000 more people staying at home than on Great Western Road, and there seems and have little money to lend. This is how it five years ago. to be a building site opposite the library. affects us. Not only will we find it harder to Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLaughlin get a loan, mortgage, home or credit card, With no sign of the ‘credit crunch’ abating got married (I don’t really care), and Boris but as we’ll have fewer opportunities to and some estimates claiming it may last for Johnson is now Mayor of London. Gordon get out of debt, we spend less. Companies 5 years, it seems there’s a higher chance Brown doesn’t seem to have many friends at including the corner shop then react by we’ll be both unemployed and living at the moment and oh yeh, we’re having some putting their prices up- leaving us with little home when we graduate. On the bright side sort of financial crisis which means a pint spare cash for the pub on a Friday night. though, we can keep our parents happy by of milk now costs an arm and a leg. I must eating our greens. have heard ‘credit crunch’ a million times The latest food price figures show the since I’ve been home and it’s grating on me. average cost of putting a meal on the table Economics is certainly not my forte; so for is a third up on a year ago. In fact, green my benefit as much as yours, I’ll keep this British-grown vegetables are some of the simple and we can learn together - gather only products not to have increased in price. round! As thousands of first year students will be buying their own shopping for the first time, 10 Tips to help beat the bite The term ‘credit crunch’ has often been they may be in for a shock. Similarly, those used in general terms to describe the of you privately renting for the first time current financial epidemic including recent may get a nasty surprise when your bills 1. Quit fags inflation, however it applies specifically to arrive in three months time. 2. Drink cider the sudden reduction and availability of 3. Spend less time in the shower loans (i.e. ‘credit’) or a sudden increase in It doesn’t stop there either - a recent survey 4. Make your own lunch the cost of obtaining loans from banks. The has shown that students are paying almost 5. Wash at 30 degrees not 40 crunch we’re now experiencing has been 20% more in rent than they did four years 5. Get your furniture off the street. caused by people in the US with poor credit ago. It’s not surprising then that our social 7. Get free condoms from the SRC ratings who were unable to meet higher debt lives are suffering. Recent statistics published 8. Read the Metro repayments due to rising interest rates. As in The Daily Telegraph show almost one in 9. Heating off - wrap up warm more mortgages were terminated so that three people abandoned plans for a holiday 10. Go out less and read GUM more 12•GUM WORDS : ZOE GRAMS WORDS OF : COURTESY IMAGES HANNAH FRANK FAIRY TALES FAIRY

As a school pupil, Hannah Frank wrote: “If inspiration from poets, and her creation of they would leave the choice to me, I think the drawings was inseperably intertwined I know what I would be. To be an artist with the creation of poetry. She would say my desire, I’d paint mere nymphs and ne’er poems to herself in her room at night, and would tire.” She has done exactly this. see images at the same time.

Her work has been exhibited at the Royal As a result, there is an otherworldly quality Glasgow Institute, the Royal Academy, to the drawings. They show a variety of and the Royal Scottish Academy amongst atmospheres, yet belong to none. Long, others, but after a tour to celebrate her 100th spindly, androdynous yet feminine creatures birthday, her collection has returned to are painted with fluid, almost languid its home: the University of Glasgow. lines. Flowers litter the ground or decorate the creatures’ cloaks as they swoosh into A native-born to Glasgow after her Jewish darkness. Shadowy figures emerge from or parents emigrated from Russia in the late shrink into the background with just one 19th century to avoid persecution, Frank well-placed white line. has lived in the city throughout her 100 years, significantly contributing to the Jewish Even at 100, Frank has a dry, knowing sense and art communities here. She attended of humour. Her vitality during her teenage university to study English and Latin, and years and 20s has been carried into her work took night classes at the School of Art where to such an extent that they still feel young, she studied with the likes of Benno Schotz relevant and current. There’s a wisdom, and and Paul Zunterstein. From 17 she produced a cheekiness, to them: a combination that’s a variety of pen and ink drawings before seldom seen. working solely in sculpture after 1952. Many of her works were published in Every drawing submitted to GUM was GUM between 1927 and 1932. done so under her pseudonym Al Aaraaf: a reference to a poem by Edgar Allen Poe Her images reflect the Art Nouveau period, describing a star that suddenly appeared in holding many characteristics you would the night sky, growing brighter than Venus, expect of work from this time. Yet there’s only to disappear suddenly. A young Frank an unusual quality to Frank’s work, one that considered this to be apt to her. There’s you can’t quite put your finger on. Each no doubt that as a teenager Frank was image seems so familiar it could have been thoughtful, creativeand extremely talented. seen dozens of times before, even when new But perhaps she wasn’t as insightful to the viewer. They feel timeless, in the creation of her pen name as she was depicting what could be a medieval in the rest of her work. gathering, a Greek myth, a fairytale, or a victorian tryst. They apply to every story of Her last sculpture was done at 94 years old. revenge or romance you have heard. She moved into a care home in 2002 where her works are still displayed. She has not Arguably, the influence of poetry on her burnt strong and quick only to have then work is partially responsible for this. An avid extinguished: her talent continues to be a reader, and poet herself, Frank took steady glow in Glasgow after 100 years. GUM•13 {}{}{}{{}{}}{ {}}{} {}}{{}{{

THE BABY MIND READER WORDS : FRANCK MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY : DEREK OGILVIE & JIM WILSON

“I can open and close sections of my chat about our jobs, student/supermarket came to terms with what he describes as brain at will”, explains a straight faced for me, mind reading for him. We take his “ability to communicate with spirits Derek Ogilvie. It is a conviction matched our seats in the corner, far away from the and infants”, I realise that regardless of only by my scepticism. Wedding reception that is being organised my beliefs, Derek appears to be utterly near the main door. convinced of his. Mr Ogilvie has intrigued me ever since I happened upon his television show, The “I lived in Glasgow for many years during “I realised I could communicate with Baby Mind Reader, a few years ago on the 1990s and owned a few bars and a small children in roughly 2002, though Channel 5. Essentially Mr. Ogilvie claims club”, begins a calm and mild mannered I did not think it was a big deal as I was that he can communicate with A) Babies Derek. “However, I went Bankrupt in learning and I did not fully understand B) The dead. As such people’s reaction to 2000 and within a few weeks I went from the significance at the time. Then I Derek is one of extremes, to some he is a driving a Rolls-Royce to not being able to started to think that I had lost the plot. godsend while to the majority of society afford a bus.” A man who went bankrupt Am I really getting this information from he is a delusional crack pot. and then claims to be able to read minds? a child?”, continues Derek without a My sceptic sense is tingling. trace of sarcasm as his wide-eyed passion Standing outside a generic West End pub continues to duel with my disbelief. “Yet, Derek is dressed in casual jeans and a t- “People are quick to say that a person as time went on I realised that I could use shirt and as our photographer decides on who goes bankrupt and then becomes this ability to help families. If people do a suitable location for a quick shoot we a successful psychic is using his claim not believe in me I say look at the results and hopefully they will understand that I must come from some connection I have “I fully believe that babies can with a child or the relatives of the dead, read the minds of their parents how else would I know these things?” and as I have said I can open and close sections of my brain at will.” As Derek speaks he sits back and sips his lemon tea and stares over to the wedding reception that is gradually filing into the as a way to make money yet I have cordoned off section of the pub. The only started to make money recently fancy hats seem to mock the seriousness and I have been doing this for years. of Derek’s claim and I begin to conclude Furthermore, since the age of nine I this may be the most bizarre morning of knew I could speak to the spirit world so my adult life. “What is it like when you for me this was nothing new. But I also read the mind of a baby?” I ask. live in the real world and I know that the majority of people do not believe in “I fully believe that babies can read the people like me, they think that we are minds of their parents and as I have said liars or delusional.” I can open and close sections of my brain at will”, replies Derek. “So I am able to It is obvious that Derek is no fool and enter what I describe as a dream state. the manner in which he speaks reflects I get pictures in my head and I see little a guarded mistrust - the understandable movies, as if I am in the child’s head attitude of a man lampooned by many looking out through its eyes but I also a media hack. As he explains how he get pains in my body. I combine theses

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WORDS : FRANCK MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY : DEREK OGILVIE & JIM WILSON

sensations to build a picture of what is “They appear as spirits but I can going on in the child’s mind.” only describe them as looking a bit like the cloaked creature from Perhaps he senses that I am not the movie Predator.” convinced but Derek is keen to stress that he has visited prominent American doctors and is in fact the proud owner The concept of a Predator-like spirit of an extremely rare brain that has only telling Derek intimate and sometimes been previously encountered in two disturbing secrets evokes the mental elderly Buddhist Monks. Intrigued I ask image of a self-righteous hybrid of him what the condition is called but he Jeremy Kyle and a young Arnold is unsure but assures me he will email Schwarzenegger. Even more bizarrely, me a full explanation – three weeks have I am now aware that I think Derek is passed; I am still waiting. a genuinely nice guy; surely a psychic is only out to get your money? As I sit “Sometimes I do not get it right”, and digest my new found confusion he concedes. “Sometimes I fail to Derek describes how his inability to communicate effectively to the parents come to terms with his homosexuality and I do not always know what the child suppressed his psychic abilities for many or the spirit is saying. However I do my years. “It was only once I was happy and best to give concrete readings that are comfortable with me that I was able to unique and specific.” As a man who focus my energy to a level where I could also claims to be able to liaise with ‘the perform successful readings.” spirit world’ I inquire how such a feat is possible and what such an ordeal feels “I have also been doing really well in like emotionally. Holland”, he assures me. “My television is virtually impossible to prove, it is best show is becoming one of the most to leave the verdict up to those directly After a long pause he informs me that it watched in the country but I have also affected. As adults of sound mind his requires a massive level of concentration. been touring, my new show is due to be clients have willingly entered into an “It is hard to put that into words”, released soon on DVD and I am busy agreement with this man. The variables he says as he pauses again and rubs preparing for my new series”, continues which see such an agreement enacted are his face, clearly straining to convey Derek, “so I am very thankful to God for as diverse as the problems Derek claims this most uncommon of experiences. the success I have had”. Having done my to have solved, yet these adults appear to “This is a really hard question”, he research he is certainly something of a leave in a happier state than when they continues. “You are totally at the mercy big deal to many of our Dutch cousins. arrived and as of yet no one has taken of the spirit so you have to depress your him to court. sensory perceptions and open up your Still unconvinced of his claim and sixth sense. They appear as spirits but somewhat concerned that he may be Accordingly, I leave with a mixed taste I can only describe them as looking a indulging in the famous psychic practice in my mouth, a blend of the delicious bit like the cloaked creature from the of duping the emotionally vulnerable full Scottish breakfast he so generously movie Predator, though I can see what I begin to favour the simple solution. treated me to and a tangy flavour which would have looked like in my head and Perhaps when one is evaluating claims disagrees with my sceptical pallet; what understand their message. of psychic ability, or anything else that does Derek’s success say about society?

GUM•15 GLASGOW SCIENCE CENTRE JIM WILSON

Situated along the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow Science Centre is a fine example of Glasgow’s brave foray into the world of striking architecture.

Officially opened in 2001, the centre is part of the on-going redevelopment of Pacific Quay, a former shipping dock, that is now home to the main headquarters of STV and BBC Scotland.

Inside, the building is deceptively spacious and houses a Science Mall, Planetarium, Cafe and Shop while also boasting Scotland’s first ever IMAX Cinema. Visitors can also reach new heights by taking a lift to the top of the 127 foot-high Glasgow Tower, the tallest rotating tower in Scotland, where it is possible to experience 360 degree views of Glasgow city and beyond.

Although primarily catering for children and families, Glasgow Science Centre also serves as a venue for evening lectures and talks on Astronomy and Physics for people of all ages.

The IMAX Cinema screens several blockbuster movies at various points throughout the year and the latest to hit the IMAX screen is Batman : Return of the Dark Knight and more blockbuster movies are scheduled for screening later in the year, including Madagascar : Escape to Africa, Watchmen, Monsters vs Aliens 3D and Transformers 2 : Revenge of the Fallen.

GUM has teamed up with Glasgow Science Centre to offer four lucky readers a set of tickets each for full admission to Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow Tower and IMAX cinema. To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following mind-boggling question:

Q : How tall is the Glasgow Tower? Add your answer to the subject heading of an email and send it with your name and contact telephone number to [email protected]. Closing Date for entries is October 30th, 2008. The winner will be chosen at random and notified by email shortly after the closing date.

16•GUM INTELLIGENT ZINKING JIM WILSON

Isn’t she a beauty?

The new Polaroid PoGo Instant printer (pictured right) has now been released to the masses and to celebrate the launch, the guys at Polaroid kindly posted a shiny new PoGo to the GUM office for a test-drive. Being the fine folk that we are at GUM we put on our Jeremy Clarkson hats and hit the streets to see what this bad boy could do.

Weighing just eight ounces, the Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer is the first in a new line of digital instant photo products from Polaroid that uses Zink technology, a revolutionary, pocket-sized inkless printing process that removes the need for ink cartridges completely.

The PoGo’s Bluetooth connectivity allows you to print pictures straight from your bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or computer in under 60 seconds and the mini-printer can also be connected by USB should you feel the need.

“For decades, the name Polaroid has been synonymous with white-bordered pictures, although change and innovation have always been, and will continue to be, a key part of this business”, explains Tom Petters, Chairman and owner of Polaroid.

Dr. Edwin Land, the founder of Polaroid, reinvented this company many times through its 70-year history “from polarized lenses to eyewear to the iconic instant camera”, said Petters. “With the Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer, we’re reinventing the magic of instant printed pictures for the 21st century.”

For fans of the original Polaroid instant camera, the Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer, short for Polaroid-on-the-go, provides a new way to continue the magic of instant printed pictures, and is the biggest innovation for the brand since the commercial launch of the iconic instant film in 1948.

The PoGo is a quick and easy way to print holiday snapshots or party photographs and the sticky back enables you to fix them to any surface of your choice. Combined with a bluetooth- enabled computer, the PoGo also serves as a handy photo printer, however it’s not exactly suitable for printing essays or dissertations (and believe me, I tried..) but it will suffice if you need to print the odd drunken photo of a night out on the tiles.

I’m tempted to say this is quite useless for anyone other than children, however in the wider scheme of things, the PoGo gives an exciting insight into a new future for Polaroid and the instant printing world as a whole.

The Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer has an R.R.P. of £99 and is available at retail outlets including PC World, selected Curry?s and John Lewis stores, 02 Stores, Play.com, Amazon. com and Firebox.com. GUM•17 venues within minutes by Gerry McKeever 3am, Sauchiehall St, the girl with the orange face screams and lashes out at her worse-for-wear boy- 6friend. He replies by shouldering his way through the crowds and eye balling everyone within five meters while an unfortunate uses a cheese chip as a makeshift pillow.

If this particular experience is not quite cutting it, or if you fancy a change, what does one of the world’s most respected musical cities have to offer its hordes of council-tax dodgers without forcing us to break a sweat? Here are Gum’s six spots within six minutes walk of campus (give or take a few pints) that have something a bit more interesting to offer...

V e n u e D e t a i l s

1. Brel, 39-43 Ashton Lane

2. The Rio Café, 27 Hyndland St. 3. Tchai Ovna, 42 Otago Lane

University Way Kelvingrove Park 4. The Captain’s Rest, 185 Great Western Rd

5. The 78, 14 Kelvinhaugh St

6. The Halt Bar, 160 Woodlands Rd

18•GUM

The closest to This odd little home of our six picks is the bar is a surprising place jewel in Ashton Lane’s crown. Brel to find such a fine selection is quickly becoming one of the coolest of music. The 50’s American diner- places around, with Guardian Travel voting it themed decor sets off the diverse weekly Glasgow’s 3rd best live music venue earlier this and monthly musical offerings, giving a night year. As somewhere many of us probably pass at spent in The Rio a bizarre time warped feel. A least twice a day, it should not be allowed to blend into few too many drinks and you could find yourself venues within the scenery. Named after Belgian legend Jacques Brel, in an air-hostess outfit driving a Cadillac with great this pub is living up to its names’ musical heritage, with recent gigs by Glasvegas and Noah and the Whale. This balls of fire burning through your panties. There is year sees a new regular Thursday spot called “Concrete something on almost every night, including Cabaret, Campfire” showcasing up-and-coming indie bands, on top Acoustic Night, Poker, DJs, Spoken Word and a top of the established Saturday afternoon jazz. With DJs at Jazz night featuring some of Scotland’s foremost weekends and a new Sunday spot in the pipeline, Brel is players. However Gum recommends The Lazy Daze minutes Open Stage every Tuesday, an event which must pushing itself as a music-pub. However, as everyone knows there’s only one real reason to go to a Belgian surely be one of Glasgow’s best Open Mic nights. pub. As owner Robin Morton says: “We specialise Host Michael ‘The Acoustic Butterfly’ invites in mussels frites and Belgian beers” so Brel really “musicians to bring your weapon of choice or is a beer-connoisseur’s wet-dream. Given its use the house guitar, bass or percussion setup.” location and the variety of interesting Starting around 8pm this is a perfect chance things happening, Brel is a good shout, to showcase your talent get to grips with especially if the walk into town being on stage or even just to check and the orange peope seem out the wonders of Hyndland’s a bit daunting. hip little time-machine.

As the undisputed Since it reopened Mecca of all things tea, Tchai earlier this year, The Captains Ovna has a special place in the heart Rest has been a massive success of many among us, and is an interesting attracting many a famous act. Promoter alternative option for a cheap night out. Come Simon Liddell describes it as “not only a evening it becomes a cosy little venue, which sees much needed live music venue for the West everything from the brilliant to the simply bizarre. End, but also a fresh nightspot for Glasgow’s Indie “I tend to book folk, jazz and world gigs where masses. It combines the comfort of a traditional pub possible” explains Tchai’s Ken. Anything with a high with the perks of a live music venue.” The Captains level of musicianship and/or unusual instrumentation is Rest has a wealth of tantalizing events taking place, with a dead cert.” The unique atmosphere is a combination of a the year already having seen some epic gigs by the likes non-drunk audience and the ramshackle living-room styled of Frightened Rabbit and Future of the Left while its pre- decor, which can make for a really nicely chilled evening. Christmas calendar may cause some West Enders to boycott It’s also only a few quid to get in to the gigs (entry is free town altogether. As for the place itself, it does achieve a the rest of the time) and there’s the option of sitting strange yet somehow comforting mix of old-man’s pub outside and smoking a Shisha to show off your smoke (the scene of the single most hilariously awful karaoke rings. Obviously it’s all about the tea really, and sipping display I have ever witnessed) and grimy/trendy indie some wonderful brews is a great way to soak in a spot. All in all, an essential haven for those prone to gig. Tchai Ovna is an easy place to fall instantly in waffling about semi-obscure bands while necking love with, and it’s definitely worth a shout when absurd quantities of yellow beverages, and if some low-key time is needed – GUM advises that does not tickle your fancy then fear not a cup of yogi yogi chai on the inevitable - according to its MySpace The Captains hazy Sunday after a heavy night Rest is single and Sagittarius so you of that world famous might just get your grove Glasgow fun. on and get lucky!

Located just south The Halt is the bar of the Kelvingrove Park is of choice for many of the the cosy-yet-stylish 78, though you West’s talented hordes and is a real may remember it as Stereo, it’s previous heavy-hitter in Glasgow’s underground incarnation. Thursday night at the 78 plays music scene. Everything from a-tonal host to the wonderful Dub and Grub, hosted by noise-punk to beautifully intricate folk can be Mungos Hifi. Now in its sixth year, this night is stumbled upon here, but the reliably interesting a favourite for two pretty self-explanatory reasons, and friendly crowd is definitely its strongest quality. Dub AND Grub, yay!: “The DJs take turns in cooking Rob Smith, organiser of the Halt Hijack festival and and playing” explains Doug from Mungos HIfi. “Each many an excellent Saturday night gig, describes the week has a different menu of freshly cooked fare with scene as “interesting music, free entry and a dedication to the tunes ranging from old Ska and Rocksteady, through providing as much support to the artists as possible.” This Roots-Reggae, Dub and Dancehall to Dubstep and attitude has earned The Halt its intimate affiliation with the Modern Reggae.” Combined with The 78’s dangerously West’s music scene, its stage helping all kinds of budding good selection of designer ales and ciders, this night artists move up the ladder. The exciting feeling that you frequently results in a well-fed, half-cut wobble around may be watching tomorrow’s stars is a regular event as to some crucial tunes. What’s more local legend/myth The Halt is often the first port of call for young bands Ras Swampy is often found lurking outside treating looking to gig in the West End. Weekly events include unsuspecting smokers to a dose of mind-boggling Wednesday’s open-mic and Bazodee Sounds reggae- stream-of-consciousness poetry. So as a precursor dancehall every Thursday. As a venue that tries to a big Thursday night out, or even as the to give as much support as possible to local main event itself, Dub and Grub is a talent, and a genuinely great place to West End gem not too be missed - hang out, The Halt Bar continues get down around 7 to be sure to be among the best joints you get a table. around Glasgow. GUM•19 FRIGHTENED RABBIT

ALI STODDART

“I’m a little bit anal and a little bit develop into a musician because it is such a a career. Bands that are hyped have a great controlling”, proclaims Scott Hutchison, fertile ground for creativity.” This drive to time for about two years and then things founder and central cog of indie pop create music has eventually led to the release start to get a little bit harder. Once they get troubadours, Frightened Rabbit. of the aforementioned ‘Midnight Organ cast back down after being driven skywards Fight’. It is an album comprised of sublime by the NME they have difficulty dealing with “In my view it is completely necessary to and sincere, hook-driven rock pop songs that the arse end. I fucking hate the Ting Tings”, have other people in the band and if I was dealing with personal experiences and the he adds with venom. “I don’t know how on my own I’d probably be a little bit lonely.” tumult that is the demise of a 21st century long they have been together but there is Scott started the Frightened Rabbit project relationship. not much going on there for me. We want to on his own, in his bedroom in Selkirk with broaden the term of guitar pop and allow it an acoustic guitar and a 4-track. Yet in his “I certainly feel that the record tied a knot in to be a little more adult. Its time that pop got quest to avoid loneliness it has slowly grown a particular section of my life”, adds Scott as a bit serious.” into the 4-piece we hear today on their he highlights the cathartic quality the album second album ‘Midnight Organ Fight’. has brought him. “I wouldn’t say it was The quest for Frightened Rabbit to bring anything to do with self-therapy, it was more order to “awful slutty guitar pop” is The grape vine is whispering that the lineup to do with summing it up and letting it rest.” underway and is sure to persist. The band is not yet complete, so I ask if he has plans The popularity of Frightened Rabbit has will continue touring around the UK, for his Rabbits to evolve into an epic pop continued to rise (think pawnshop profits including support slots with Death Cab for orchestra. “I think I will stop at 5”, laughs in credit crunch times) and has even seem Cutie before playing with the Spinto Band in Scott, dismissing my suggestion that he led them making some significant noise across the US. a band full of strings, gospel choirs and the pond. kazoos. “After that you get into the kind of Plans for a post-Christmas acoustic live ‘music collective’ kind of territory that I’m Scott believes that state side success is down album and a third album are also in the mix. not really that into. It seems that you can to differences between music media which “My job is to make music. I’m going to do get away with not writing any good songs as he describes as being “more democratic” and that properly. Frightened Rabbit’s abiding long as you make a confident noise.” “less pretentious. It’s more blog based and voyage from 4-track to cult fame is unlikely I think that is the key to our success. Over to be halted any time soon. Although Scott began writing music in there they don’t give a shit whether you’re Selkirk it was not until he moved to study cool or not they just like good music so you at Glasgow School of Art that he seriously get attention.” considered becoming a professional Frightened Rabbit’s second album ‘Midnight musician. “Glasgow absolutely influenced Although modest of his own achievements, Organ Fight’ and single ‘I Feel Better’ are my decision to become a song writer”, Scott is very critical of bands that get out now on Fat Cat records. They play continues Scott. “It made me want to rocketed to fame by hype. “I’d rather have Glasgow Arches on 30/09/08.

20•GUM CONFESSIONS OF A PR JAMES RAE

“Son, there’s no such thing as an easy job,” my father once told me, and free passes before leaving them utterly convinced their faltering “if there was then every fecker alive would be doing it.” A useful night out on the town has been rescued. Of course, this is not the gem of advice given to me in my darkest and laziest hour, and one reality. which has stayed with me, like a bad smell, in my epic pursuit of employment that can cater for my dislike and fear of hard graft, but The reality is P.Rs mostly suffer verbal (and sometimes mildly physical) necessity for hard cash. abuse when they approach strangers on the street with no more proof they are in the Public Relations game than a flimsy bit of paper with Like so many others out there, my life has been one large conveyor drink prices on it. Most P.Rs hate the general public because of this, belt of employment, various drudgery and dogsbody tasks I have and choose not to bother them. As a result your nightly shift is spent engaged in, job after job, megalomaniac boss after megalomaniac mainly walking and talking with your P.R partner, upon whom your boss, and one gross negligence lawsuit after the other - I’ve had em’ sanity depends, developing a deep and unspoken understanding of all. In my twenty-first year on this earth and my second in Glasgow each other in your battle against the inebriated masses. I had given up all hope of finding my paragon of employment, my lazy man’s monetary Mecca, until late one sunny, spring evening I Like most jobs it does have its perks, well one to be precise. As a P.R came across a vacancy sign requesting ‘P.R staff’. worker you are truly at the bottom of the publican pecking order, a disposable and easily replaced member of the workforce, and therefore For those of you not in the know, P.R stands for ‘Public Relations’, sent out onto the street totally unsupervised and unloved. As a result a fancy title for the less than glamorous task of informing the of this you spend a lot of your shift in a far away and well-hidden pub, average man on the street of drinks promotions, special offers and spending your hourly wage on pint after pint, smiling manically at the general incentives of whatever pub or club employ you. For this fact your finally being paid to sit in the pub. job you need good banter, tick, a good sense of humour, tick, a friendly and approachable appearance, tick (I think) and a love for In my time as a P.R I’ve seen the strange and exotic things Glasgow the outdoors, Tick! Three and a half ticks in my minds imaginary nightlife has to offer. Grown men urinating on their own cars singing job questionnaire, forced me into said venue and, after a lightning chumbawumba, homeless men using a chip box as a pillow, hookers, quick interview, I was hired! lovers, fights and brawls, all just part of the job. The scariest day for any P.R is when they realize they’ve become immune to it all, when I was now part of the strange and honourable profession of Public the extremes of a Saturday night are not only common place, but Relations, a profession that would lead me deep into the city’s expected. bizarre underbelly, and bring me tantalisingly close to finding my perfect job. Forever branded in my mind will be the image of a middle aged Welshmen in detailed full body sheep costume vomiting violently on In Glasgow you are most likely to see P.R staff on the bedlam stretch the city pavement and into a roadside grate as the remaining members of Sauchiehall Street every night of the week, marching in pairs, a of his stag party applaud him almost regally, in what appeared to be healthy wedge of fliers gripped tight in their hands and sometimes some form of twisted Welsh initiation into marriage. even a smile on their face. Our job is to wander this street, amongst the drunks, bouncers and beggars and sell our place of employment The picture was quite beautiful as various factions of P.Rs joined like a cheap degraded door-to-door salesman. We must dazzle and together in applause of the mighty sheep-man; a celebration of the hypnotise the drunker and more easily led punters with promotions obscene circus we call our everyday.

GUM•21 UP&COMING

GUM talks to five up & coming bands to keep an eye out for in 08/09 November will see the Screens embarking on a UK tour and for some this could cause delusions of grandeur, but not for the Laura-Jayne Hunter Glasgow three piece: “In between we will be the city’s fine pubs Laura-Jayne Hunter is a singer, songwriter from Northern and clubs in pursuit of celebration, sherry and cigars, that is all Ireland whose folky style is not dissimilar to the likes of Imogen one really needs.” Heap.

“She’s an incredibly creative artist, I love her use of harmony and the fact that she can produce such incredibly powerful Super Adventure Club An Edinburgh based three piece in the textbook formation; sounds.” guitar/vocals, drums and bass. However there is not much that could be considered textbook about the bands material. From Laura-Jayne has been singing since she was a child and soon listening to their newly released debut album, “Chalk Horror” it discovered a love of Prince and Eric Clapton. At the tender age is evident that the band has been exposed to an impressive body of 14 she started writing her own material and since then she of music. They hop effortlessly from genre to genre fuelled by has been in various bands and experimented with a number of Bruce’s screeching and mind spanglingly crooked guitar riffs, different styles. The singer graduated from Leeds Music College with Mandy’s bass and Waz’s relentless drumming giving the earlier this year and is currently gigging and recording some new whole outfit some quite impressive cojones! material. In between this she has done some studio work in London and has even been involved in a Guinness world record The origins of S.A.C. can be traced back to the glorious attempt for ‘the most people singing together at once’. pinnacle of human endeavour that is Jewel and Esk Valley College where Bruce first met Mandy, who later drafted in Waz. “I was asked by the producer to sing the song on the recording, Although Chalk Horror’s musical influences are diverse to say so basically I was doing some session work in a London Studio the least, the lyrics stemmed from the bands own mindless owned by Michael Wolf.” ramblings and the actions of the people’s poet, Tommy This is no small achievement considering that this particular Sheridan. studio has been used by the likes of Bonnie Tyler and Duke Special. Between the release of this magazine and Christmas, “I guess when you hear the lyrics, you can see that we’re Laura–Jayne will continue to play gigs and will be collaborating inspired by people like Tommy Sheridan, Sharky the Impaler with a producer to record some new material for an E.P. and Rik Waller etc. If they have done something that we think is funny or worth singing about then we will.”

THE BLACK ALLEY SCREENS Over the next few months SAC will be gigging furiously, even The Black Alley Screens consist of three Irish lads from leaving their homes and jobs to go on a one-month tour of Warrenpoint, who have been making a name for themselves France. With their musical originality and execution on stage, since moving to Glasgow two years ago. Super Adventure Club are well worth checking out.

Having played Live at Loch Lomond earlier this summer, the guys have recently returned from Wales where they have been recording their latest record. The Screens are a grimy indie- punk band with some funky bass lines to boot. Two more THE VELCRO QUARTET additions to the screens armoury are the intelligent and acutely The Velcro Quartet, a quartet by name, not by nature, are yet observed lyrics and the charismatic drumming of John Markey another three piece, whose music treads on the edge of insanity. who is not unlike a certain Jim Henson puppet. A mish-mash of electro, ska, pop and rock mixed together in a bowel of carnival lunacy creating a fruit cake of sublimely Their latest recordings are a testament to how the band has organised chaos! The songs are incredibly accomplished, full grown over the last few years. The material has become more of hooks and clichés delivered in an extremely surprising and focused yet still maintains a punky edge that sets the Screens original manner, rich in delicious electronic beeps and whirs, miles apart from other ‘indie rock by numbers’ bands. tasty bass-lines and the singing of a madman offering advice on how to kill your wife! “In terms of sound, the new tracks are definitely better produced and in many ways they are more mature. A lot of As with their music, the story of Velcro Quartet’s formation is more of our experiences of Glasgow are in the lyrics as well. not for the faint of heart: “Joe Rodger moved to Glasgow in They’ve got a more alternative-Americana feel to them. The order to start his own pop group. As the long, cold nights living pixies have always been a big influence on our writing, probably in a skip took their toll, Joe changed. He would metamorphose more so in these records.” regularly into a hideous beast and would often be seen lurking 22•GUM Justin Caselton & jOHN hUTCHINSON

around Kelvingrove Park with half-eaten swans hanging out of his mouth. Two philanthropic local gentlemen (Rudi Zygadlo and Andrew Pattie) had heard the legend of the beast and decided to take him in. Joe, however, had soon corrupted them with his tales of pop aspirations, and a band was born; however, the original sound Joe had dreamed of had become soiled and sinister. After that, it was as simple as placing an advert on a blimp above The Halt Bar which read: ‘Wanted: The Best Drummer in All the Land’ for Craig O’Brien to join the team; thus, The Velcro Quartet was born.” Laura-Jayne Hunter One may be forgiven for wondering what inspired the group’s particular brand of pop mayhem. However when mused upon logically, the answer is perfectly simple: “Italo-disco and unsettling smiles”. Over the foreseeable future the group plan to release their first single, tour England and between all of that, continue to play here in Scotland so they can enlist more fans and of course “advocate the qualities of sleeping in skips”.

PUNCH AND THE APOSTLES Glasgow band Punch and the Apostles are a veritable menagerie of musicians and instruments. As well as the usual suspects there is a violinist, accordion player, and a brass section, who all contribute to the blend of flamenco, jazz, and ska, (among others) that makes up the bands music.

The origins of punch is just about as epic as there music: “In 2005, Nape-of-the-Neck, Ginger St. Vitus Dance and Dougter- who met in the infirmary of a fish-packing factory in which they all worked. Having, by chance, simultaneously fallen victim to The Black Alley Screens the bane of the fish-packers existence, carpel-tunnel syndrome . they struck up conversation.” Indeed.

Through this conversation the three ‘soon to be apostles’ unearthed a shared love of “obscure avant-garde Argentinean accordion music”. The next step for the trio was to travel to a “renowned apothecary” specialising in their affliction. After some “alto sax noodling”, the trio had an epiphany that would become Punch and the Apostles and convinced Mr Nelson, the sax noodling potion master to join them. From there the rest was simple. The next recruit was an ice cream vendor named Squeezy, a quick-witted accordion player who worked in a music hall next door to the packaging plant. After some persuasion Spanner rose from his toolbox to join the motley crew, and before long the apostles found their final member, Chazzmatazz.

“He was sipping single malt and thought, through a protein- induced aneurysm ‘why the hell not?’ Thus the seed that was Punch and the Apostles planted in the sick bay of a fish disembowelling plant grew into the Venus fly trap that is Punch and the Apostles. It is unclear Every artist featured can be found on what they intend to do over the next few months, but with any myspace.com where further luck they’ll be gigging their trousers off! information can be obtained. GUM•23 PHOTOKYO PHOTOGRAPHY Jim Wilson | wjbwilson.tk

24•GUM

GUM•25 LIFE IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC (((((

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY : CATRIONA MATHESON

Before me stood an all singing, all smiling, opposite side of the world and I couldn’t hotels but now a holiday destination for Hawaiian Shirt-clad Fijian four-piece band. see myself having the funds or purpose a variety of travellers including families I had just disembarked from a 22-hour to make the trip. This changed however and backpackers alike. flight, it was 5am and I had a splitting head when I was in STA Travel, booking flights ache, but I could appreciate the thought. to travel to Australia. When I was told When arriving in Fiji, you have a variety These four Fijians, with their fantastic afros Fiji was a possible stopover, I nearly fell of options depending on how long you’d and enthusiastic bright, white smiles, set the off my seat. like to stay. Some tourists choose one tone for what would be a glorious week’s beach and stay there for their entire holiday on one of the planet’s most isolated Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji holiday. Others island-hop between paradises. consists of over 300 tropical islands. Yet, the some of Fiji’s smaller islands, or despite its pristine waters and tranquil alternatively, like me, you can If you think of Fiji and imagine setting, Fiji has not always been so idyllic explore the main island, Vitu Levu. white sandy beaches, palm tress and for those that live there. The country’s lush rainforests, you’re spot on. Fiji’s social and political history has been I chose public transport as I was landscape and climate are undeniably tumultuous at times and as a result Fiji travelling on the cheap but I also knew what attracts its thousands of visitors has an interesting blend of Melanesian, I would witness more Fijian culture each year. There is no traipsing around Polynesian, Micronesian, Indian, Chinese by doing so. I mingled with locals as museums or visiting historical sites and European influences. In fact, for the rickety bus struggled around the - Fiji is a travel hotspot due to its sand, nearly 50 years, until the military coup mountainous rainforests and decided sea and surf. There is an abundance of of 1987 and the Indian emigration which to explore three separate parts of the water sports on offer, endless mountain followed it, the indigenous people of Fiji main island, testing some water sports, treks, or if you’d prefer, you can swing where an ethnic minority in their own climbing a waterfall and doing a trek in a hammock, take in the views and land. More recently, a military coup took along the way. I also sampled ‘kava’ a read your book. Due to jetlag, for my place in December 2006, and the army national drink made from plant root first couple of days on Fiji I chose the now controls the country. which although is non-alcoholic, is latter- and it was bliss. known for its numbing affect on your The situation is generally safe but limbs. Previously when I’d thought of Fiji, I’d travellers are advised to exercise caution remember the scene from The Truman and check with the Foreign Office before Fiji certainly caters for its visitors. At Show where Jim Carey’s character going. Despite this political unrest, Fiji‘s one of my favourite hostels - a campsite announces he’d like to explore the tourist industry is thriving, mostly due but with wooden bunk houses rather islands. I can imagine such an ambition to Europeans who include the islands than tents- I was served complimentary was accredited to Fiji’s remote location. on their Thailand- Australia- New tea and scones with homemade jam, To me, Fiji was surrounded by a sort Zealand world ticket. It is also due to this daily at 4pm. Free tea and scones on an of mystique and the dream of visiting influx of tourists that Fiji is no longer idyllic beach is definitely close to my seemed unattainable. After all, it was the a honeymoon hideaway with upmarket idea of paradise.

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((((( ((((( GLOBAL CONVERSATIONS ((((( WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY : CATRIONA MATHESON

As we walked down the meandering, dusty passageway set in between towering, sandstone cliff walls, I felt like we were uncovering a secret. We were entering Petra - a unique, ancient city, sitting cosily in a canyon in the mountains of southern Jordan, which until recently, I had never even heard of.

The dramatic entrance known as the Siq is a winding path set in rock split by a shift in the earth’s tectonic plates. The 1.2km corridor is largely protected from the midday heat but as you turn each corner, you’re greeted by an awesome sight of rock formations lit by the occasional glimpse of sunlight. About half an hour later, you turn your final corner before entering a vast archaeological site boasting thousands of tombs dating back to the Nabateaeans, a 3rd century BC Arab Dynasty. As you step inside Petra, it really feels like you’re stepping back to the times of the old testimant,

Jordan isn’t a common backpacker destination but it certainly provides an adventure off the beaten track. You can trek deep into the desert and camp out under a blanket of stars, read a book whilst floating in the Dead Sea or be pampered at one of it’s spas using local, natural products. Jordan is located close to the heart of Judaea Christian history so you can trace the footsteps of the prophets and soak up the generous, forthcoming Jordanian hospitality. Throughout my trip I was constantly amazed at the kindness of locals who invited me into their homes, gave directions when I was lost, and helped me when we I was sick (a particularly nice guesthouse owner looked after me during a ghastly episode of food poisoning).

I was also very fortunate on my first day in Petra to meet two locals who kindly took the time to show me their ancient home. Ahmed and Zohair had learned and perfected spoken English from speaking to tourists from a young age, yet they explained that because there were few visitors, they had little work and so were happy to show me the place in which they grew up. On my final night in Petra, they invited me to their village and into their family home for dinner. I sat on their floor, tearing homemade bread and dipping it into the most delicious hummus while I drank mint tea heated over a fire and exchanged stories over a sheesha. These people may have grown up in a rural desert, but they were well educated in world affairs and were light hearted about the Middle East and its relations with the west, namely the United States. This became apparent when they introduced us to their two donkeys, ‘Monica’ and ‘Lewinsky’.

Meeting Ahmed and Zohair served as a reminder that touts and pick pockets are not always the norm when traveling. Perhaps the friendliness of Jordanians comes from their eagerness for westerners to see Jordan for its qualities and not to be hazed by its location. They say that geographically, Jordan is stuck between a ‘rock and a hard place.’ I’m assuming the ‘rock’ is Iraq and the ‘hard place’ any of its other neighbours; the West Bank, Israel, Syria or Saudi Arabia. Yet it is relatively safe. Indeed, if you’re after something a bit different, before the crowds arrive, I suggest you hurry. The Foreign Office is currently advocating travel to Jordan and The Jordanian Tourist Board has unleashed new initiatives in a bid to boost tourism. In addition, Petra has just been named one of the new ‘Seven Wonders’ of the world. It seems to me that the secret’s out. GUM•27 28•GUM BANGKOK : A CITY ON THE EDGE WORDS: JAMES RAE PHOTOGRAPHY : KRISTINA BONEVA It was nine o’clock at night when we arrived in Bangkok after a tourist areas. Although protests can spill onto the streets, we gruelling 14 hour bus journey from Cambodia. The sky line of encountered one by the democracy monument but everything the city was illuminated like something from a science fiction was conducted peacefully. I spoke with an Australian girl who film, endless columns of steel spiralling vertically into oblivion was involved in the protests said she didn’t see any signs of and chaos. violence despite media reports. The best thing to do is to stay away from protests if at all possible, the Thai authorities are There is a serene beauty to Bangkok’s city centre at night that ruthless and will bang you up for next to nothing. is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the never ending tuk tuks, vendors and lady boys that made up the destination we Apart from the occasional protest and the like, Bangkok is an were heading for - the legendary Koh Sahn Road in Bangkok’s amazing city full of great sights and a brilliant nightlife, with Banglumpoo district. Koh Sahn has been made world famous hedonism rivalling the likes of Amsterdam and Vegas. Anything as a rest stop for backpackers providing cheap hostels and a goes in Bangkok except drugs so don’t be a fool and get caught dazzling array of nightlife. The street itself is very long with a in possession of anything, you will get a fine or do hard time. labyrinth of side streets (sois) where a lot of cheap guesthouses and hostels are available. Revellers are treated to makeshift bars BANGKOK SURVIVAL TIPS that adorn the streets after nine o’clock, with offers of cheap beer and buckets. The latter of which consists of a quarter Drink bottled water... for the sake of your insides. bottle of Sam Song (a local rum that is 80% proof) two bottles of red bull and soft drink of your choice. Keep your wallet on a belt. If you survive the buckets there is plenty to do, clubs adorn Haggle Haggle Haggle. the street, ranging from pumping drum and bass to singer songwriter live performances. In terms of eating street vendors Don’t take tuk tuk tours that offer temple tours - they will try are perfect, everything is cheap and you see it being cooked in and rip you off. front of you. If you are looking for something a bit closer to home it is easy enough to find fast food outlets like McDonalds Don’t get involved in political protests however fun they and Burger King. might look... and if you do don’t get caught!! In terms of shopping everything goes for sale on Koh Sahn, Throw away the lonely planet guide. Everyone goes to the be sure to check merchandise before you buy as it may be a bit places they suggest which means they will more than likely be dodgy, I had a necklace explode into a thousand pieces around booked up. my neck. Apart from Koh Sahn Bangkok has a lot to offer. The shopping in the centre of town is pretty cool, the MBK centre Bring padlocks for your rucksacks or luggage and keep your has an eclectic mix of stores and stalls and if you’re sick of keys with you at all times haggling you can go and pay for what you see in retail outlets. Ping Pong shows are a lot more insane than you think. All I’m If you like temples try and see the grand palace and the temple saying is razor blades!! of the jade Buddha, it’s awesome. One thing I can’t emphasise enough is to check the country’s political climate on the Use local buses... at night you can sometimes get them for free. foreign office website: www.fco.gov.uk. We were in Bangkok during the latest spate of protests against the now ousted PM If it has an Adams apple and a penis it is a man not a Samak Sundaravej. By and large the protests where focused on seemingly beautiful girl! government buildings which are far detached from the main GUM•29 WORDS : JESSICA MCBRIDE AUSTERITY PHOTOGRAPHY : SCOTT MCGINLAY

The brilliance of austerity is that it brings forth an air of discretion. It does not threaten with brashness nor does it detract attention away from its purity. Rather, austerity commandeers the stealth of one’s wealth of character. Judicious spending is now a la mode in consumer behaviour, whilst the vision of the ideal now suggests austerity over excess. The prevalent intention of designers today is to highlight the power of design which spells out the future without threatening consumers who are hard-pressed in economic times by feeling isolated from the enjoyment of garment gratification. Re-access your wardrobe and figure out what you – the individual – appreciate most and build upon it with items that challenge your own interests in fashion yet still meet your needs. By having basics as the silhouetted backdrop, truly contemporary design comes into prominence with individual items that justify their worth. Architectural angles and constructed volume are given kudos over any definitive ‘it’ item. Apparel now has been conceived of as a lesson in geometric volume via a range of formations. 30•GUM Made with integrity in material and abiding power in style, items with structured shape all define the current mood – nonetheless there is no singular shape and no isolated structure. In a sense, the wearer is given the power to define his or her own silhouette as an act of individuality. Boxy shoulders, peplum skirts, balloon and banana shapes, bell- sleeves, pea coats and peg-leg trousers have all been on show to interpret what best works and what emanates confidence in oneself. There are items that are classics and there are those that are truly future-forward. These shapes, formulated by creases, pleats and moulds, function by teaming with those basic garments consistently available. There is no need to binge on a myriad of new items when all that is truly required is to select that which have lasting power and bring to life a perennial collection of pieces with a new air of discretion. The moment is fertile for design innovation and the decision in some (albeit austere) form is up to you. GUM•31 [{

PREP. WORK

When basic living costs rise and recession overshadows, it’s time to peer into the dark recesses of the wardrobe and ask – can this collective mass of apparel withstand endurance in autumn and winter, as well as sustain one’s own sartorial satisfaction without feeling dull and drained as gloom clouds over? The strength of one’s wardrobe acts in some way as an amour against external forces, both in seasonal and economic terms. Serious times call for a serious examining of one’s sense of dressing, and with an attention to detail and timeless staples one can persist as a man liberated from the woes of being in arrears without appearing dated by conservative circumstances. Conveniently designers looked to the British garments and tradition of tailoring this season, which fits perfectly into any Scots of Englishman’s attire. The tweed is one such example, and can be found in a host of colours and weaves and Urban Outfitters. It’s durable, well tailored and can be paired with jeans, trousers, shirts or t-shirts depending on the desired look. The trench is a perpetual item that both creates a streamlined look against any outfit as well as protect against the – if ever there were a true British classic thats it. American Apparel is a wicked place to pick out basic and quality-manufactured garments to coordinate any outfit at an affordable cost with a subversive, classical edge. 32•GUM Equi elenism odionulpute mincili STOCKISTSquamet laorper suscilis dolessi blan ut lummy nullandion henit, Contentsvendre doloreet, Page sis nulputem Redvoloreet Johann in Bubbleveliquat. Dress Duisis|Urban Outfitters|£55nullandreet, volesequam ipit Beltaliquat.|New Olobore Look|£10 digna corerat, Sheerquiscipsusto Jacket|M&S do ea feugiat. Num vel ipsum velit lore feugait Farvulla Left acilis dolor sisisl init Blackaugue Volume dionum Shirt vullutpatis Dress|Full num Circle@ Urbanet iusto Outfitters|£81 esto con henisl ero Banglesconsed &ea Corsagecon velit Headbands vel ullaorem|Miss Selfridge|fromquate molobore £1 eugait lorem Broochesenit la con|New ea Look|fromfacing ex eugue£6 Purpleeum ad Bead er susto Necklace del init|Miss iliquip Selfridge|£20 eugiam, quat ip exerit vel utate Centreesto consectet Grid & Top eraestrud Right digna Blackconulluptat Men’s Trenchutatin hendiam,Coat|Model’s ver Own Greyinibh Woolen el dolenim Men’s at, Scarf consequatet|M&S Greyacin Stretchvolenibh Twill ea Slimfeu facillum Slack|American Apparel|£46il delit ametue elis nosto et Lightea feu Brown faciliquam Messenger ad tisisisl Bag|Model’s in Own Blackvel iriustio Patent consequate Men’s Brogue del Shoes ut |M&S Shopperla commy Bag|M&S|£29.50 num ipis ad dunt Greylum accumPanel Pleat nim Women’sinis nos Blouseendre |M&S Tietat. WaistAcilit Trousers velit lorem|M&S|£29.50 accum Blackverostinim Heels |Newnostrud Look|£20 tat. Cum Jeanszzriureet,|Model’s si exerOwn at, secte molum Shirtip essi.|Model’s Own GreenCore tisTweed adiamet Jacket| auteUrban dignis Outfitters|£40 Brownnummodit Shoes ad|M&S dolore modiam Brownvelenibh Messenger estrud eroBag consequatem|M&S Whiteeugait Thermal nisim adiamco T-Shirt|Anerican nsequat ex Apparel|£17exerat augiam iriusting enisim Cashmerealis amcore Cardigan moloborem|M&S|£69 nim nim Darkam eugiate Grey Waterfall tio dolorerosto Dress|Miss conse Selfridge|£45faccum dolut volore erci exero Jewelleryodio dolore|Miss mincil Selfridge ea feugait nulla consecte velent luptat alis accum iure tem GUM•33 climbing and has recently commanded much attention from the world climbing media. The reason behind this is that the climbing at Dumbarton is unique, technical, hard, unforgiving and requires intense dedication to master. Combine this with the locality and convenience of the rock to Glasgow in comparison with more remote climbing venues in Scotland and it is unsurprising that Dumbarton Rock has been the canvas on which the best Scottish climbers have left their mark. One climber in particular represents the importance of Dumbarton rock in pushing Scottish climbing standards to a world class level, his name is Dave Macleod; he is 30 years old and spent 13 of them climbing at Dumbarton.

Dave is a former student of Glasgow University and has become one of the most accomplished all-round climbers in the world with significant first ascents in traditional climbing, bouldering and winter climbing. Now living in Lochaber, on July 30th 2008 he climbed ‘Echo Wall’ on Ben Nevis, a desperately hard 100 metres climb with dubious protection 1100 metres up the North Face.

This route was to become another instance of Dave pushing the standards of difficulty to a higher level, so much so that Echo Wall is probably the hardest traditional climb in the world. This feat is representative of the climbing projects he takes on as a whole - high

: J ohn H utchinson ords technical difficulty requiring long periods W of intense effort and specific training. This has elevated him into a world- class climber and although his latest accomplishment was not on the smooth Dumbarton Rock rises abruptly from the addictive climbing spots around. It is this dolerite of Dumbarton Rock, it was his surrounding landscape, deftly marking contrast that helps to make Dumbarton 13 years of climbing there that sculpted the meeting place of the River Clyde and Rock so interesting and so important. him into the climber he is today. the River Leven. From miles afar, the rounded lump of Dumbarton is clearly Interesting because it is used by different Indeed, the scope and vision of Dave’s visible, but only upon closer inspection is people in many different ways, a place climbing at Dumbarton Rock was granted its true character revealed. where you sometimes see people fishing, much attention from the climbing media a place where you quite often see local when a couple of weeks before Dave Over the years the rock has changed, a ‘youths’ get pissed, stone ducks, break completed Echo Wall, another world class subtle mixture of erosion and graffitti bottles or sometimes spray graffiti. But climber called Sonnie Trotter travelled with bright spray-painted images and it’s also a place where you will always see from Canada and spent a month of tages adorning the surface. Yet this urban rock climbers. Despite this being a far effort in achieving the second ascent art is accompinied by a different type of cry from idyllic climbing spots such as of ‘Rhapsody’, a route that Dave had graffiti, one which consists of dabs of Yosemite, Fontainbleau or Glen Nevis completed in 2006 after two years of chalk marks snaking up prominent lines this combination of people and place effort and the first route in the world to of the boulders, highlighting the features results in a spot with a unique character be graded E11. The film ‘E11’ documents of the rock at random intervals. These and feeling. Dave’s efforts in completing Rhapsody differing graffiti’s tell a story of a strange including the numerous 60 foot falls mix of ingredients that make Dumbarton Since the 1970’s Dumbarton Rock has he had to endure when falling from the Rock one of the most interesting and been at the forefront of Scottish rock crux moves, it was this film that inspired 34•GUM Sonnie Trotter to travel thousands of use it in relation to this other hold, so Echo Wall and also enrich his wider life miles from Canada to bag the second it’s almost mathematical. That was really with a philosophy and outlook formed ascent, though not before taking that enjoyable for me, just to puzzle them out, through the extensive periods of time he same 60 foot fall 24 times! it just appeals to my personality, to know spent climbing. the layout of the holds in my head and There’s obviously something special to wander about for a few days and go “Climbing at Dumbarton was a catalyst about the climbing at Dumbarton when ‘yeah that’ll be it’ and come back and try for everything I did”, adds Dave. “When a top level athlete chooses the graffiti it and then seeing if it works. That whole I started climbing I hated school, and to infested and litter ridden Dumbarton process is really cool.” me what I was doing here was just much Rock at a Glasgow suburb over all more powerful than anything I could those beautiful climbing wildernesses Speak to any climber and it’s this process have done at school, because it gave throughout the world. As Sonnie stated in of reading the rock and getting to know me real motivation to do stuff, and got an interview concerning Rhapsody: “It’s it intimately which appeals, for your me interested in things like the natural one of those unique, really special lines, it mind to be completely focused on the world and ultimately in things like Sports make’s you want to travel across the pond movement of your body and totally Science, and all the other aspects I was just to climb on.” oblivious to anything else in your life. genuinely interested in instead of that really backward way of learning that Although Dave has since moved on from “That is the enjoyment, seemed to be in school.” his old stomping ground I caught up with the process of it him there recently to discuss the special feeling totally For the first timer, Dumbarton Rock can role of Dumbarton Rock in his own impossible then definitely feel like an intimidating place, climbing development. effortless” probably as much to do with some of the “That is the enjoyment, the process of it rougher locals who frequent it as with For Dave, it was the rock type itself that feeling totally impossible then effortless”, the hard and often dangerous climbing. fuelled his Dumbarton addiction as a continues Dave. This process of working However, spend enough time there and 15 year old to climb all the established very hard problems from failure through you’ll find the locals are actually really problems there over a period of 3 years to success requires an almost monastic friendly and the place wouldn’t have the and to then start climbing his own dedication, to be there out on the rock character it does without them. new routes up the boulders and the day after day, worshipping at the altar of main face, raising the level of difficulty the rock. Speaking to Dave it’s clear that The ever changing light and mood at higher and higher. As with any climbing, his character was perfectly suited to solve the rock is sometimes breathtaking and the rock type specifies the particular the riddles of this rock, to unlock the there’s definitely nothing quite like a body movements required to climb it movements required for success through long, multi coloured Dumby sunset. Go successfully. At Dumbarton, the rock hard training. on, even if you’re not a climber you is very smooth and angular, requiring can take in the views, drink a bottle of emphasis on technique and efficiency of The ingredients of success Dave learned Buckfast or even visit the castle! Trains movement to unlock. ‘You have really got at Dumbarton rock to climb difficult run from Glasgow, through Dumbarton to look at the rock”, begins Dave. “You boulder problems gave him the necessary East station every 20 minutes and it’s a 10 say well that might be a hold from that qualities both physical and mental to minute walk to the boulders and crag and angle and so I need to work out how to complete his recent astounding ascent of enjoy a special part of Scotland. photography : Claire Macleod - www.velvetantlers.co.uk

jonathon bean - www.equatorlive.com/blogs/jonathonbean

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