2010 / issue 1 alumni, staff and friends

minds

life through a lens doug allan’s tales from the deep spotlight on the economy is scotland on the road to recovery? turkington reigns colin clinches british touring car title welcome from the Chancellor

Welcome to Stirling Minds, the Inside this edition you’ll find a wide news highlights magazine for everyone who is variety of stories about Stirling people 4 Stirling’s recent successes and interested in what’s going on at our shaping the world in their own way; top developments. University. We hope that alumni, from one of our newest honorary 9 staff and our many friends at home graduates battling to regenerate 6 READ ALL ABOUT IT and around the world will enjoy traditional Afghan crafts in a war Scotsman Editor John McLellan reading this new-look publication zone, to a psychology postgraduate argues for the printed word. and will find it a good way of teaching chimpanzees at Edinburgh spotlight on the keeping in touch. Zoo to use a film camera. 8 economy Stirling Minds is now an expanded You can help us to improve the Professor David Bell on the publication welcoming lively debate magazine and website by offering global downturn. with external contributors, as well feedback on the enhanced range of zoo tube your old favourites – because of communications or by suggesting an 9 The world through a chimp’s eyes. course we’ve kept graduate profiles article for a future issue: and class notes. We’ve also created [email protected] 10 research a magazine website where you can How Stirling’s research is shaping These are challenging times as we all access content whenever you like. and improving lives. know. But Stirling is in great heart, Take a look around: and we are fortunate that we can life through www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk 12 draw on the experience and support A lens The Stirling family is continually of our worldwide network of alumni 12 Alumnus Doug Allan’s tales from growing and our connections far and friends. the deep. from the campus matter to us all. We Happy reading and best wishes, want to keep you up-to-date with our news throughout the year, so as well Stirling Castle at night as the website and magazine we’re launching a monthly enewsletter for staff and a quarterly enewsletter for contents James Naughtie, alumni. If you would like to sign up art attack Chancellor, 16 for the latter or opt to receive the Honorary graduate Rory Stewart’s University of Stirling magazine electronically in future; fight to preserve Afghan arts. if you know someone who has lost turkington reigns contact with the University and would 20 Alumnus Colin Turkington Only in Scotland will you feel like royalty. like to receive the magazine; or if you crowned British Touring Car think you might contribute a class Take over a castle and be king for the day, sip champagne Live like Champion. notes entry, please contact: 16 on a royal yacht or hold a gala dinner in a stately home. [email protected] 24 making their Whatever your event, Scotland can turn it into a regal affair. a king. MARk Young graduates forging As well as a range of truly majestic venues, you can be sure their careers. that we’ll roll out the red carpet for you. Dine like 26 class notes And it’s never been easier to get here. So to find out more Produced by External Relations. Where are they now? Editorial team: Lesley Wilkinson (Editor), about hosting an event in Scotland, log onto a queen. Trudy Whyle, Andy Mitchell, Jennifer Nicol 27 airthrey babies and David Christie. 20 Uncovering Airthrey Castle’s past conventionscotland.com Designed by www.mortonward.co.uk as a maternity home. Or perhaps that should be unconventional Scotland. Front cover image by Sue Flood. Scottish sporting Back cover image by Wattie Cheung. University 30 Printed by Thomson Colour Printers, highlights Glasgow on FSC approved material from Scotland’s University for Sporting responsibly managed forests. 2009/2010 Excellence goes from strength to The University of Stirling is recognised as a strength. Scottish Charity with number SC 011159. Only in Scotland www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 3

5458-VS_BTU_StirlingMinds_K&Q_Ad_290x215.indd 1 16/2/10 12:41:41 03 02 05 06

01 04 newshighlights

5Stirling has been named 5Professor Gerry 5A Stirling researcher’s 5The UK’s first hub of child 5As Scotland’s University 5Stirling’s new Centre 015 Scottish University of 025McCormac, one of 035discovery of live oysters in 045protection expertise, the 055for Sporting Excellence, 065for Memory & Learning the Year for 2009/2010 by the Northern Ireland’s leading academics, the Firth of Forth, over fifty years Multi-Agency Resource Service Stirling has continued to lead the in the Lifespan brings together Sunday Times, in recognition of the has been named as Principal and after they were declared extinct in (MARS), has opened at Stirling, way with its appointment as the hub academic research in neuropsychology, University’s “outstanding student Vice-Chancellor of the University the area, has major implications for to share good practice and advise of Winning Students, the national developmental psychology, health experience and record for innovation in succession to Professor Christine fisheries in Scotland. Dr Liz Ashton, Scottish social workers about keeping sports scholarship scheme for student and education. Its Director, Dr Tracy and high quality teaching”. The Hallett, who is retiring. He joins us a research fellow at the Institute of young people safe from neglect or athletes in colleges and universities Alloway, has research interests in newspaper’s analysis of the latest in May and said: “Scotland needs Aquaculture, found two oysters about abuse. Beth Smith, Director, said: across Scotland. Among the initiatives how working memory, our ability National Student Survey results, Stirling and its distinctive contribution 100 metres apart, visible at a very low “MARS will be a valuable resource undertaken by Winning Students, to remember and manipulate which covered students’ views on the to society: enterprising graduates tide. Her discovery gives real hope for child protection agencies and Scotland’s first National Women’s information, impacts on learning. quality of teaching, learning resources with the skills to drive its economy that there could once again be oyster practitioners in Scotland by assisting Football Academy has been established She won the prestigious Joseph and their overall satisfaction with forward; first class research which farming in the river. At its peak, the them to deal with complex cases. We in Stirling, helping some of our most Lister Award from the British Science university life, showed that Stirling can be turned into jobs; and a Firth of Forth oyster fishery produced have an opportunity to make a real promising young female footballers to Association for her work on the registered one of the biggest year-on- commitment to the community over 30 million oysters a year, but difference, by helping them to access reach their potential. capacity of children to store and year gains of any university in the UK. which ensures that education and the over-harvesting caused the fishery to the expertise they may need to carry manipulate information for brief advancement of knowledge is shared collapse by 1920. out their work effectively.” periods of time. for the good of all.”

4 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 5 John McLellan, Scotsman Editor BA English/Film & Media Studies, Class of 1983. Read All about it

Rumours of the death Stirling graduates of a certain The cuttings I generated over the But a revolution was taking place. Fast forward 20 years and the world while hard copy sales remain in vintage will remember a larger- following year (embarrassing now, I’m Free newspapers were springing up internet revolution has swept away images left the thousands back home; but the and Above of newspapers are greatly than-life character called Cool Al sure) were enough to secure a place everywhere and just down the road in much of that income at the same internet millions have failed to Davidson, whose fame was ensured at Preston Polytechnic’s journalism Warrington, Eddie Shah launched his time as giving people a free and easy The newspaper produce anything like the same exaggerated, says hits the presses. by his regular candidacy for student course and from there my first full- paper Today with new technology in means of accessing information for The Scotsman amounts of money as newspapers president. A man made for the time job as a reporter on the old the face of fierce union opposition. which they once had to pay. The building today once generated. Even with traditional and the John McLellan Monster Raving Loony Party and Chester Observer. foundations of profitable titles – the newspaper’s revenues badly depleted, online sales There were so many jobs available 1950s Market until Alex Salmond returned from big three pillars of jobs, property and still represent less than ten per cent of Like its Stirling namesake, the in the North of England at that time Street home. Westminster to rescue the SNP, the motors – have crumbled in the face Images most newspaper companies’ incomes. Chester paper was a venerable old that journalists could take their pick. only serious electoral challenge Jack of both the internet and the recession courtesy of publication, packed with local news. And when the Shah revolution finally The Scotsman. And now that Rupert Murdoch and McConnell and his cohorts had and the industry is undoubtedly in It was especially loved by its readers swept away the old practices, and others have finally woken up to the ever faced. a crisis which will inevitably claim for the two broadsheet pages of the print unions and high costs with fact that the digital emperor has got casualties. I owe Cool Al a debt of gratitude, obituaries, with the names of all the them, newspapers became a boom no clothes, or is certainly only in his not just for making the hustings mourners who attended funerals industry. But there are reasons for optimism. underpants, there is a chance that the eminently more bearable amidst the in the town that week. Unlike the For one, newspaper companies are rush to give away quality journalism Without the restrictions which had earnest young things of the emerging Stirling paper, it was not owned by now being forced to examine what will come to a halt and the rebuilding killed off the Glasgow Herald’s much- political classes – he stood as ‘the a large publisher and while I’m glad was always their core function, the of the newspaper business model can lionised sister the Sunday Standard, Pope’ one year, with a can of tartan to say the Stirling Observer is still journalism. The development of enter a new phase. Online audiences Thomson Regional Newspapers were special strapped to his head beneath going strong, the Chester Observer newspapers was not chicken-and- can still be maintained but at realistic able to launch Scotland On Sunday in a tartan mitre – but for setting me on was swallowed up by its Thomson- egg; editorial built audiences for levels, with realistic returns and 1989 and matched it with Wales on my way for a career in journalism. owned rival and quickly closed down. advertisers to exploit and poor realistic expectations. Sunday and Sunday Life in Ulster. It had been the oldest continuously editorial accelerates decline. Giving Al wrote a column of university news In future budgets may be smaller published paper in Britain. But the omens for future trouble were away for free what companies pay in the Stirling Observer and and there will be fewer publications, already there. Circulations of the journalists to produce makes little approaching graduation in 1982 he Then, as now, sentiment plays little although it’s easy to forget there are big local dailies were already on the economic sense, unless of course you was looking for a successor. I had a part in the world of newspapers still more newspapers around now slide. Glasgow and Edinburgh had are owned by a Russian oligarch. year to go and one night in the old and even reader loyalty isn’t enough than there were in the 60s. But even long since said goodbye to papers Grange club I asked what he was to guarantee success. The Chester in the age of the iPad, or whatever like the Citizen and Dispatch and going to do with the column. As Al Observer outsold the Chester “The industry is undoubtedly in a crisis succeeds it next year, I believe there while the creation of local monopolies was determined that it should not Chronicle in the town by three to one, which will inevitably claim casualties.” will still be room for the printed meant that classified revenues were fall into the hands of the politicians, but as an independent publication word. Portable, foldable, disposable, healthy, sales growth was hard to and time was running out, he asked its lack of financial muscle meant it The internet revolution has allowed browsable, costs less than a half pint come by. if I was interested. The next day I was doomed. vast numbers of people to read what and doesn’t need recharging....what was down at the Observer offices was previously inaccessible, with an invention! and signed up as the next author of unique users of newspaper sites University Notes. numbering in millions around the

6 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 7 Stirling views

ehavioural scientist Betsy completely up to the chimps. We Herrelko has made the were along for the ride, hoping Bchimpanzees of Edinburgh to learn a bit more about how Zoo into film stars after she they viewed the world. Being taught them how to use touch- able to view life as the chimps screen technology. see it is something that I will never forget.” Given a chimp-proof camera to shoot their own footage, a BBC Betsy is undertaking a PhD in the Natural World documentary Department of Psychology under showed, for the first time, the the supervision of Dr Sarah-Jane world through a chimp’s eyes. Vick and Professor Hannah Betsy explained how the chimps Buchanan-Smith. Originally from reacted to this new experience: Ohio, she joined the Behaviour “The Chimpcam Project was and Evolution Research Group at designed to let the chimps take Stirling in 2008 after conducting us on a tour of their minds. We research with the Gorilla Is Scotland on the created studies and activities, but Foundation in California. what happened after that was road to recovery?

he best we can say about world David Bell, Professor of Economics, media economic prospects for 2010 commentator and Budget Adviser to the Scottish Tis that they are very uncertain. Faltering recovery in the Western Parliament’s Finance Committee, argues that we’re world has been driven by large dollops not out of the woods yet. of government spending. Everyone knows that this is unsustainable, but Unfortunately his wisdom was largely public sector than the UK as a no one is sure when is the best time ignored. An economy cannot live on whole and if the private sector does to cut back on spending so as not to credit forever. Eventually, there has not expand to take up the slack as the damage the recovery. to be sufficient saving to pay back public sector contracts, there will be what has been borrowed. But the another downturn – a “double dip”. It was a different world three government, conscious of both the David Bell Unemployment, which is particularly years ago. The Western world was economic and political damage that Professor of concentrated among young people, awash with credit. Many assets Economics, a full scale recession would cause, University of will rise even further. were rocketing in price, particularly Stirling. has substituted public credit for the domestic and commercial property. Together with my colleague private credit that kept the British And many economists were under Professor David Blanchflower, economy growing throughout the the strange illusion that actors in a former member of the Bank “noughties”. Yet Stein’s dictum still these markets behaved rationally. of England’s Monetary Policy applies: the government cannot The authorities had not noticed, or Committee, I have been writing about endlessly accumulate debt. And the David had turned a blind eye to, the large Blanchflower the negative effects of unemployment implications of this simple fact are number of mortgages being made Professor of in general and youth unemployment now clear. Economics, available to poor households in the University of in particular. We have argued that Stirling. USA when there was little or no There will have to be cuts in public the young suffer particularly during chance of repayment. Eventually the sector spending, and these will be recessions and that the effects credit bubble burst, with profound more severe than any experienced in of unemployment when young implications both for financial markets the post-war period. This will have have more negative consequences and for the real economy. Credit effects right across the spectrum of on life experiences than spells of became very scarce: trust between government services – education, unemployment among the middle- financial institutions disappeared due health, local government, transport, aged. This applies to young graduates to suspicions of insolvency. As a result defence – none will escape. Scotland as well as the unskilled. Avoiding the some financial markets almost closed double dip has therefore to be a high down. The lack of credit caused “An economy cannot live on credit priority. But none of the main political output to fall, unemployment to rise forever. Eventually, there has to be parties seem prepared to commit and tax revenue to collapse. sufficient saving to pay back what to precise plans for a reduction in the deficit until after the election. Herbert Stein, Chairman of the has been borrowed.” Let’s hope that the recovery is strong Council of Economic Advisors under has not fared too badly compared enough that this lack of transparency Presidents Nixon and Ford, coined zootube with other parts of the United does not harm the life chances of the simple dictum that “when things Kingdom, but it will have to bear its young people entering the labour Find out more at can’t go on forever, they don’t”. share of these cuts. It has a larger market for the first time. www.chimpcam.com

Image courtesy of Burning Gold Productions 8 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 9 RESEARCH THAT SHAPES Research in brief Did you know?

• Stirling has the biggest portfolio of health care AND IMPROVES LIVES knowledge transfer activities of any Scottish university and our experts are working with the Scottish Government to support Shifting the Balance of Care, its key programme to improve the health and wellbeing of Research at Stirling is well-known for its relevance to economic, food labels a Scotland’s people. social and cultural needs. Our research activity in the past year Fishy business • Stirling’s world-renowned Dementia Services generated over £8 million of research grants and contracts, within A major research project led by Development Centre leads teaching and research an overall research and knowledge exchange income totalling James Young, Professor of Applied stirling leads into improving services for people with dementia £25 million. Here are some of the recent achievements of Stirling’s Marketing, has demonstrated that first ever studies and their carers. energetic research community. consumers are being confused by eco-labelling on fish. The researchers into self-harm • Sports researchers at Stirling are not only helping Who’s looking propose an improved scheme which rates among to prepare our athletes for the Olympic Games at you? will better inform the public and help teenagers and Commonwealth Games, they are assisting Researchers from 21 countries have He outlined the aims of the Living in references to unwise and immoderate developing economies to compete. New research by the University’s governing bodies of sport to create long signed up to a Europe-wide network Surveillance Societies programme, drinking, suggesting that increasing Suicidal Behaviour Research Group term legacies. Their report, Review of Fish of surveillance academics led by which is the first European-wide consumption is a key promotional has shown the extent of self-harm Sustainability Information Schemes, • Stirling’s environmental expertise focuses on Dr William Webster of Stirling research programme dedicated to aim, while other documents suggest among teenagers, with girls at least argues that consumers must have conservation and climate change, and a Management School. ‘understanding’ surveillance: “This that brands can promote social three times more likely to report self- access to better information and new Masters course in Hydrology has been network brings academics together, Dr William success, masculinity or femininity, harm than boys. A recognised expert on Closed Webster explains how the current schemes created to meet the growing demand for river rather than being a research project despite this also being banned under Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance can add to consumer confusion. In the first-ever studies to examine management experts. in itself, to raise awareness of advertising codes. Although the codes cameras, e-government and the prevalence of adolescent self- surveillance in society, to better prohibit any link between alcohol and “Working from different data sets has electronic public services, he harm, in Scotland 14% of teenagers understand the consequences of youth culture or sporting achievement led to results which are inconsistent The University of Stirling welcomes new explained: “The programme is about have self-harmed, and a further 14% technologically enhanced surveillance, in advertising, the documents discuss between schemes and have thus links between research and business, and facilitating a better understanding have thought seriously about doing and help inform surveillance policy Professor in detail sponsorship deals with created confusion for consumers,” from individuals who want to continue of what it is like to live in a society Gerard Hastings so. In Northern Ireland these figures and practice across Europe.” football, lads’ magazines, and music said Professor Young. The report their professional development. For more where technologically mediated were 10% and 13% respectively. festivals. The use of new media, proposes core quality standards information, visit www.research.stir.ac.uk surveillance is so prevalent – both for Led by Professor Rory O’Connor including social networking sites, including transparency, relevance, the surveyor and the surveyed. It will the researchers questioned thousands is also a fast growing channel for accuracy, and peer review which look at our experiences of the impact of secondary school students. alcohol advertising, say the authors. would improve the inconsistent of surveillance on people, businesses, ALCOHOL AD and sometimes conflicting advice Although studies so far do not technology and governance. Professor They suggest that regulation should CONTROLS James Young which emanates from some advisory determine what causes young be independent of the alcohol and Today, surveillance is all around PUSHED TO LIMIT lists, which are often dated and too people to self-harm, factors advertising industries, and alcohol us, it is ubiquitous, pervasive and Professor Gerard Hastings and general to be of real value. associated include drug and alcohol advertisements be pre-vetted. normalised, on an unprecedented colleagues in the Institute for Social use, bullying, infrequent exercise, While certification schemes and % scale. Our movements and activities Marketing at Stirling, have shown concerns about sexual orientation, of teenagers in recommendation lists have increased are routinely monitored through that alcohol advertisers still target sexual abuse, self-harm by family and Scotland have Professor awareness of the issues associated video surveillance, purchase patterns, young people and promote drinking Rory O’Connor friends, impulsivity, anxiety and low self-harmed with sustainable fishing and sat-nav and mobiles. despite restrictions on the content of levels of self-esteem. aquaculture within a limited number alcohol advertisements in the UK. 14 “However, this surveillance is also of markets, the review also notes The young people reported many subtle and discreet, with most An analysis of previously unseen that fish products from developing different motives for their self-harm, people unaware that they cast a data industry documents demonstrated economies can easily be denied including getting relief from a terrible shadow as they go about their daily that companies are “pushing the access to markets if they cannot state of mind and wanting to punish lives, and relatively little is known boundaries” of the advertising afford to produce the data required themselves. In addition, half of the about the impacts of widespread code of practice. Gerard and his by certification schemes. respondents said that they had surveillance on individuals and society team warned that the UK system of seriously wanted to kill themselves. “As sustainability information as a whole. Concerns have emerged, self regulatory controls for alcohol becomes more important to Professor O’Connor said: “Self-harm including the effects on privacy, social advertising is failing, and argued consumers in the developed is a major public health issue which trust, human behaviour and public that the UK needs to tighten both world, this risks putting requires continued attention. The space, the depth of accountability the procedures and scope of the developing economies at a trading rates of hospital-treated self-harm and transparency, the risks of regulation of alcohol advertising. disadvantage,” Professor Young among adults are worryingly high. information sharing, the cost-benefit The alcohol industry spends around said. “There’s plenty of scope for this These findings suggest an important of technological systems and the £800m a year promoting alcohol in whole area to be rationalised, and role for schools in adolescent prevalence of errors.” the UK, and despite a ban on for better information to be available wellbeing, managing life stresses encouraging drunkenness and to consumers, so that they can really and promoting self-esteem.” excess, the authors found many understand what they’re buying.”

10 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 11 Award winning wildlife Doug Allan filming documentary cameraman and Humpback Whales for the BBC series photographer, Doug Allan has The Blue Planet. filmed in some of the most extreme land and underwater environments on earth.

In a career spanning four decades, he has captured several on screen firsts, from polar bears trying to capture belugas in a frozen hole in Arctic Canada to orcas attacking grey whales off California’s coast.

“I like to communicate my passions to other people, and I think if students follow their hearts, their career direction will take care of itself.”

Described by colleague David Attenborough as “one of the toughest cameramen in the business”, Doug has taken part in Life through over 50 filming trips for critically acclaimed BBC series The Blue a lens: from Planet, Planet Earth and more recently Life.

His passion for filming the natural world has earned him no less than three BAFTAs and three Emmys Airthrey since graduating from Stirling with an honours degree in Marine To Biology in 1973. > Antarctica By Lesley Wilkinson

12 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 13 “Extreme polar filming isn’t for everyone; it’s not exactly comfortable with your extremities freezing while you’re waiting for the perfect shot.”

How did you make the to capture Emperor Penguins on cine want, I have to develop a high level of they stay, if they don’t they’ll swim I also feel it’s so important that people One morning we awoke to find leap from studying film – I was low on experience of images closeness with my subject, so I’ll camp away or sweep their tail through the reconnect with the planet. We’re just ourselves in thick fog and discovered Footage from science to underwater filmmaking, but my experience in the Doug’s polar out rather than stay in a hotel. water as a warning to back off. not realising how dependent we are that the ice had broken up about us, photography? extreme cold proved to be an asset expeditions. We spend a long time in the field; The closet shave I’ve ever had on the natural world and the impact exposing us to the open water. The and the BBC bought the footage for every minute on screen takes around was when I was snorkeling in the we have on it. I’ve been visiting the ice floe was about 30 metres across, I’ve always been interested in a forthcoming series. one week’s filming on location and Canadian Arctic. A walrus came up Poles since the ‘70s and the changes I but if the wind had picked up it could science, but diving is my first shoots can last from three weeks to beneath me, grabbed me by the waist see are worrying – the ice diminishes have broken up in minutes. love. When I graduated I combined I went on to have two films nine months. And yes, it can be hard and started to pull me down exactly in area every year and it’s also All we had was a small boat so we the two by doing a range of biology commissioned by Survival Anglia in to maintain interest on long shoots; as it would a seal before crushing thinning. If the worst case scenario radioed for help to come, which it did related and commercial diving jobs. 1987 and since then I’ve spent part of when I was alone filming snow and eating it. But I hit it hard on the happens, polar bear numbers could in the form of a helicopter some eight every year filming in either one of the My big break was in 1976 when I first leopards I had two sightings in 13 head with my fist and it backed off. drop from 25,000 to 5,000 as they hours later. During that time I took two poles. went to the Antarctic to work as a weeks. But it’s worth it for those If it had reacted differently I would lose their habitat. the opportunity to propose. Sue jokes research diver on a British Antarctic close moments of intimacy when have been a goner. The Inuit have a that I did it because I thought we People in show business We may not know with absolute Survey station. The job entailed they happen. great saying which equally applies to were going to die; but the truth is, I say it’s a mistake to certainty what will be the final helping the scientists to carry out all predators, “it isn’t the bear you reckoned if I did it there she couldn’t work with animals; you do outcome of our ‘experiment’ with the their underwater studies. What extreme lengths can see that’s going to get you”. ask me to take her back to the spot it in one of the harshest climate, but it’s crucial we urgently have you gone to in Most animals stick to the prey they ten years later! I wasn’t really into photography environments on earth. Why rein in CO2 emissions otherwise it will capturing the footage know, but if they do attack humans at that time; it was just a hobby I the fascination? be too little too late. Climate change you need? they’ll use all their guile to get you. enjoyed while working on the base. has a massive momentum; it’s not a Extreme polar filming isn’t The element of surprise is important Dr Doug Allan, an alumnus (1973) On land you usually use long tap you can quickly turn off. for everyone; it’s not exactly to them. and honorary graduate (2007) of When did your career lenses so you don’t disturb your comfortable with your extremities change direction? subject. With polar bears for example Is it true you proposed the University, was appointed as an freezing while you’re waiting for You’ve recently given a around 60 metres is a comfortable to your wife Sue Flood Honorary Professor in the Institute I met David Attenborough in the perfect shot. But the Poles are lecture to our students, distance. But underwater in even the adrift on an ice floe? of Aquaculture in January 2010. 1981, when a film crew came amongst the greatest wildernesses why is education important clearest water you’d want to be much on base to film for Living Planet – left on the planet and are home to to you? Yes, Sue and I were filming for © Images by Doug Allan and Sue Flood. closer. The sea is home to the biggest they were impressed with my stills some of the most charismatic animals. Blue Planet in the Canadian animals in the planet. When filming I like to communicate my and that gave me encouragement to Arctic on solid ice 50 or 60 miles from Wildlife filmmaking demands a great whales we’re maybe only 10 passions to other people, and turn professional. land, capturing footage of whales tenacity and willingness to be on your metres away from them. It is how you I think if students follow their hearts, from the ice edge. After that I spent a winter at Halley own for long periods which suits my behave that will put them at ease, or their career direction will take care Station, which offered me the chance personality. To witness the behaviour I make them wary. It they accept you of itself.

14 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 15 ears of bombs and bullets about the fact that suicide bombers have all but destroyed the had brought mayhem to the Murad Yonce beautiful city of Kabul, Khane neighbourhood just 24 hours yet in the ruined back streets, a earlier, leaving his staff and students surprise awaits. On December 2009, traumatised and putting him on the 35 people graduated from the next available flight out there to city’s Institute for Afghan Arts and assess the damage…. Architecture. These twenty men and “Our teachers and students had fifteen women were the first students just settled down to a morning’s to complete three-year courses in work, when there was a loud bang,” Calligraphy, Woodwork and Ceramics Rory explains. “Within minutes, the and the Institute which produced building’s roofs were swarming with them is a small miracle rising from the armed police having a shoot-out rubble of Kabul. with Taliban fighters. Surrounded by Although the city has been at the gunfire, the teachers were no doubt centre of a war zone for over thirty thinking that this absolutely was not years, a transformation is taking place what they’d signed up for. They’d there, thanks mainly to the efforts volunteered to restore buildings and puts the heart back of the Turquoise Mountain charity. regenerate craft skills, but they’d The charity’s ambitious mission is to walked into a war zone instead. into war torn kabul preserve the country’s architectural And this illustrates the problem and cultural heritage through we face….” regeneration of its traditional crafts Honorary graduate Rory Stewart and his Turquoise and historic areas. In the process, “One of my highest moments came Mountain charity, prove that beauty can be rescued it teaches skills, creates jobs and tries as I strolled into our woodwork school to encourage a renewed sense of from the city’s rubble, writes Trudy Whyle. to see 50 men and women busy at national identity in the people of Art the area. professional benches with proper tools and equipment.” The enormous and far-reaching task of establishing Turquoise Mountain Getting experienced international in Kabul was entrusted to its Chief staff, willing to operate in Kabul is Executive, Professor Rory Stewart just one of many issues Rory’s team OBE. The amazing details of his life has to grapple with. He recalls that to date can be read at when he first went in search of a www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk. local trained craft master, the only In November 2009, the University person he could find was 76-year-old conferred an honorary doctorate master carver, Abdul Hadi (below). on Rory, ‘in recognition of his Persuading him to take on thirty-odd outstanding contribution to the students was a tough call. However, western understanding of Asian the buy-in of local people is crucial to culture and his service to humanity’. the success of the whole project. > In the middle of January 2006, one week after the charity had been created, Rory arrived in Murad Khane, an old and particularly run down quarter of Kabul. He moved into the empty front room of a tailoring shop, bought a Thermos, some cups and a feather duster, hired one employee and has freely admitted since that he had no idea what he was doing back then.

When I spoke to Rory for this feature, almost exactly four years had passed, and he should have been celebrating an incredible list of the charity’s achievements to date. Instead he Rory examines one of the many war ravaged buildings. Image courtesy of National Geographic Magazine was attempting to be philosophical

16 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 17 “Three years on, we’ve acquired working on but in the centre “Sometimes, persuading parents to allow the necessary administrative and of the hall they had erected half a their daughters to be taught can be tricky teaching skills and operate a full dozen beautifully carved columns, curriculum and busy timetable. Our each about 15 feet high. The quality and we have to work really hard to convince core teaching staff is Afghani and of the work was breathtaking and the them. It’s not unusual for a father to sit at every department has a foreign students were beaming at me and at the back of the class for a couple of weeks, advisor, usually a volunteer.” each other. That’s when I realised just to satisfy himself that what his daughter is how much they had achieved and No one needs to remind him that how there’s really no limit to what learning is permissible.” education isn’t cheap. Even in they are capable of, given the west, very few institutions are the chance.” financially self sufficient, most need Neither educational background nor the ability ongoing supplementary funding and The truth is that what Rory and his these calendar days. How much more Turquoise Mountain is now trying 350 employees have created almost images emotional and poignant then, must to pay comes into the equation when the to raise an endowment to ensure the defies belief. In the Murad Khane Staff and students hard a graduation ceremony be, when Institute is interviewing potential students. Institute’s survival for the next quarter, a slum area once earmarked at work at the teachers and students alike have to Institute. 20 years. for demolition, the charity has cleared brave so much physical danger and out 15,000 trucks of garbage by daily deprivation to be part of it? However, neither educational hand. It has laid pavements, brought background nor the ability to pay Given that Rory Stewart’s credentials in running water, drainage and comes into the equation when the open doors at the highest levels – he sanitation and restored over Institute is interviewing potential regularly commutes to Cambridge 50 historic buildings, creating students. “This country has no Massachusetts where he is a Harvard near total employment for every “If the Institute is to survive and “We’re acutely aware of the many “It all makes the business of infrastructure, no industry, many University Professor – the wonder is unemployed adult male in the area. the regeneration is to continue, we cultural and philosophical issues and operating in Afghanistan pretty ethnic divisions and the scars of 30 that he chooses to spend so much It has also opened a health clinic and need to get the community directly we spend a lot of time and energy tricky. And none of our efforts so years of war. It is the third poorest time battling bureaucracy and bloody a primary school. involved in what we are trying to just trying to get the balance right,” far can answer the key question, country in the world and 80% of the mindedness on the streets of Kabul. do,” he insists. “But in this insecure explains Rory. “For example, the which is: once we graduate students, population can neither read nor write. Now, the Institute for Afghan Arts When asked what the attraction environment, the tendency is for art Artwork and designs which are can we find suitable employment So our students are chosen purely and Architecture has held its first was, he once told a lecture audience: communities to isolate themselves used in our schools appeal to for them afterwards? The plan is on the basis of their potential craft student graduation and anyone who “When I walk along the streets of from each other.” Afghan sensitivities and are not in that, in another two years, the local skills,” says Rory. has been part of such an experience Murad Khane, people smile at me any way controversial but they are community will assume ownership of Added to the issue of safety and its – whether student or teacher – will and at each other. On the streets of beautiful and they do generate and responsibility for everything we “One of my highest moments came implications for recruitment, there remember the excitement, relief, Cambridge Massachusetts, people do much needed income. have created. And if I go back there as I strolled into our woodwork school is financial uncertainty and many optimism and sheer joy which mark not smile.” 20 years from now, will the Institute to see 50 men and women busy at practical obstacles to progress. “We do have women students and be at the centre of a thriving, vibrant professional benches with proper “When we first began, we had no are aiming for 50% of our intake artisan community, which is rebuilding tools and equipment. I hadn’t been utilities and it’s impossible to create to be female. Already that figure Kabul’s architectural heritage? Or will aware of the project they had been a working environment when you has been reached in calligraphy and it have disappeared?” have no water supply or toilets. woodwork and been exceeded in our jewellery school. There are no As he says: “Enrolling at the Institute “Huge rafts of bureaucracy and women in the ceramics school, but has been a real act of faith for the paperwork also make our job that’s down to the fact that it has students” and it seems the charity incredibly difficult. We have to go traditionally been dominated by is determined to repay this by through 15 different customs points a few influential families. marketing the students’ skills at the in Kabul, just to get materials into the highest level internationally. Their city from the border. And, since it’s “Sometimes, persuading parents to

beautiful, quality work is now being All craft images courtesy of the Turquoise Mountain Foundation. almost impossible to buy property, we allow their daughters to be taught snapped up by discerning buyers are restoring buildings knowing that can be tricky and we have to work from Barneys of New York to fashion we have no land title and we could really hard to convince them. It’s not retailers like Monsoon. lose them at any time.” unusual for a father to sit at the back of the class for a couple of weeks, to It’s almost impossible to believe Finally, there are the cultural problems satisfy himself that what his daughter that so much has been achieved in of trying to create art in a country is learning is permissible. But we’re just four years. But Rory still vividly in which many hold extremely fine with that. remembers the first day of their conservative views. For some, the first ever class. “It was chaotic. Our depiction of nature in any form of 76-year-old sat at one end of a art is unacceptable. For others, the rough wooden bench surrounded by mere thought of educating women is shivering students, working with the enough to provoke outrage. most basic tools and warmed by a half-hearted stove.

18 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 19 “Stirling was the ideal place to be as the campus has a very nice ambiance about it, so it was easy to come down after the high of a race.”

Turkington Takesthe Crown

eventeen years after first following his big brother down to his local go-karting track for ‘something fun to do on a Saturday’, adrenalin Sjunkie and Stirling alumnus, Colin Turkington achieved a lifetime ambition when he was crowned the 2009 British Touring Car Champion, writes David Christie.

At the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, Understandably, the Northern Irishman found the whole in front of his family and friends, experience somewhat overwhelming. Colin said: including his 91-year-old granddad “I grew up watching touring cars on TV and dreamt and newborn son Lewis, Colin about winning. There had been so much emotion pent clinched the title in a nail-biting finale. up and once the weight was off my shoulders, it all came flooding out. Running from April until October, the British Touring Car Championship “It was total euphoria for me and the team, who I’d (BTCC) comprises 10 dates, with been with for six seasons. My mum and dad have been three races at each venue. And having there since the very first car race, through the highs and seen his commanding mid-season the lows so it meant a huge amount to them too. It was lead almost disappear entirely, Colin a special moment, especially to have three generations of entered into the final race at the final the family there with me.” venue with the title in the balance. His 63rd podium of the campaign and much popped “The fear of being beaten was champagne later, Colin returned to his quiet hometown getting to me,” admitted the 27-year- of Portadown, a place he describes as “about the same old University of Stirling graduate. size as Stirling but nowhere near as fun.” “I had led from mid-season and the Far from lazing on a yacht in Monaco in the millionaire gap had been rapidly whittled down playboy lifestyle of a Formula One (F1) driver, Colin has to the point where two other drivers spent the off-season with his family, helping his dad run could now pip me. But my fate was his construction business and walking his dogs. still in my own hands and thankfully I > managed to hang on.”

20 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 21

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And during the racing season too, to the football – they support a driver Portadown provides a welcome or a team and back them at every images nears completion sanctuary. “Everything is 100 miles an race. There are plenty of hardcore Colin celebrates clinching the Profile hour when I come over to England to fans, but thankfully I have not yet title in the final race of Colin Turkington race,” added Colin. “So afterwards, opened the blinds and seen them in the season at hanks to your generosity, we Work to transform the University’s library is well underway Brands Hatch. I head straight home and take a my back garden.” Born: 21 March 1982 have already raised more than thanks to the generosity of donors. We need your help to few days to relax. That is one of the Images £1.4 million for our exciting Convinced to come to the University courtesy of From: Newry, County Down T close the fundraising gap and bring our vision of a 21st advantages of living in Northern BTCC.net. state-of-the-art library project, of Stirling by his best friend who was Lives: Portadown, County Armagh Ireland; you can distance yourself transforming it to meet the needs century learning zone to life. already studying there, Colin left his physically and mentally - especially Family: Wife Louise and son Lewis of the 21st century student and back garden behind and completed a project – to put your own stamp on The gift a donor makes to Stirling not if you’ve had a bad weekend. Education: BA Hons Business Studies researcher. Business Studies degree, graduating from the University of Stirling 2005 the new library and to strengthen images only changes the lives of students, “Likewise, when I was at Stirling, in 2005. Among its innovative educational your personal link with the University Architect’s but supports ground-breaking Career: Professional Touring Car impressions of it was the ideal place to be as the driver 2009 achievements: HiQ MSA features are the Stirling Enterprise of Stirling.” how the new research that shapes the world we Living in ‘Ali Paly’ (Alexander Court) library will look. campus has a very nice ambiance British Touring Car Championship Zone, where entrepreneurial ideas can live in. The library is fundamental as he puts it, some of Colin’s fondest Stirling donors give for many reasons about it so it was easy to come Drivers’ Champion; Independent Drivers’ be developed; an accessible Archive to this mission, providing much- memories include nights spent Champion; BMW Sports Trophy Winner; – to make a difference in the lives of down after the high of the race.” for our ‘treasury’ of rare books needed educational resources in an in Glow, the student nightclub Autosport National Driver of the Year; students and researchers, ensuring Go Motorsport Ambassador for Northern and manuscripts; and an exhibition intellectually stimulating hub at the Lifestyle is not the only area where and being harassed by the ‘green that the brightest and best come to Ireland; Ambassador for Road Safety in area for our special collection of centre of life on campus. To make the similarities to F1 don’t match up, meanies’, the affectionate term for Northern Ireland Stirling; to commemorate the life of contemporary Scottish art. Work is your donation or to find out more, but Colin knows exactly which he the campus security staff. a classmate; to celebrate a special Motorsport hero: Joey Dunlop on schedule to be completed in please visit our online giving pages: prefers. He said: “British Touring anniversary. For many alumni, a “Like many people when they’ve just First drive: Aged 10, in his dad’s Escort August 2010. www.supportthelibrary.stir.ac.uk/ Cars is the best place to race, no donation demonstrates the passion left school, I didn’t really know what van around the yard donations or doubt about it. It’s not like watching Stirling’s alumni and friends have they have for Stirling and celebrates I wanted to do, but because of my Other hobbies: Water sports, skiing, www.alumni.stir.ac.uk/donate an F1 race, it’s unique as anything always been generous with their the great time they had whilst they dad’s company, I thought it would reading, running and fishing can happen and it is guaranteed support, helping us achieve much were a student, helping others to Keep up to date with progress by be good to have some business to happen. in our first four decades. To reach have the same rich and memorable reading our librarian’s blog and knowledge as a back up to my racing. our targets, we again appeal to our experience. Facebook profile at: www.is.stir. “Last year, in the first eight races To complete a degree was great, but supporters across the world to make ac.uk/newlibrary/news.php there were eight different winners. what I really took from Stirling was The Chancellor added: “A library a contribution to the creative hub of As everyone has the same equipment, the training for later life as I grew up is still at the heart of a university, the University. it is all down to the driver. And you a lot living away from home. because there’s peace and excitement don’t get near a pit lane in F1 - in fact Our Chancellor, Dr James Naughtie there: and the way that the new “I had the time of my life at Stirling – you are lucky to even see the driver. says: “I have been very touched by library will look when it opens will it was a mad few years. I met so many While in Touring Cars each venue those Stirling friends and supporters show the best of the academic friends who are now friends for life. includes an hour for fans to walk who have already made their financial tradition that we’ve inherited, And it was such a great experience around and meet the drivers. contribution towards the project to and want to nurture, and our I’m encouraging my younger brother transform the library. I now ask you, commitment to being in touch with “People get very passionate about to head there next year.” in this one big final push, to join a world that throws up something touring cars. To them, it’s like going them in supporting this worthwhile new every day.”

22 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 23 Alumni Reunions Save the following dates! We have a number of alumni reunions planned for this year which all our alumni and friends are very 1 welcome to attend. London 13th May 2010 Join us for a drinks reception, making venue to be confirmed New York their 2 15th June 2010 Arrangements to be confirmed mark Chicago 18th and 19th June 2010 Come and visit the University 3 stand at The 2010 Scottish Festival and Highland Games – we will be in the Arts & Cultures exhibition tent. For more information, log on to www.chicago-scots.org Utah. I was instrumental in assisting From Cosmopolitan to A&E, four Hong Kong the company to undergo a complete 4 27th July 2010 corporate rebranding and have been recent graduates share their stories HSBC’s prestigious offices will able to build the graphic design be the venue for our drinks as they start life beyond Stirling: fundamentals from the ground up. reception If I could offer any advice, it would be to pursue something you are truly Kuala Lumpur 1. Sharon Ray, for both. Now through hard work and passionate about because life is too recognised Sports Centre to the 28th July 2010 BSc Nursing 2008 determination I have my dream job in short to do something you don’t growth of an increasingly diverse British High Commissioner’s Staff Nurse, NHS Accident & Emergency. absolutely love! student population. Residence Foundation Trust, York The University of Stirling is an My advice to current or future Singapore 3. Dr Robert Oliver BSc Having left school at the age of 16, excellent campus and I am proud to students at Stirling, is to make the 29th July 2010 (Hons) 2001, MSc 2003, I never thought I would be where be a graduate. most of your time at the University British High Commission PhD Aquaculture 2009 I am now, and it’s vastly due to as it passes so quickly, grasp every writing. I was encouraged to network Assistant Aquatic All of our events can be found on the University of Stirling and my 2. Kelley Whalen, MLitt opportunity and keep in touch with and make contacts through work Ecologist, Mouchel, www.alumni.stir.ac.uk or you can experiences there. Publishing Studies 2008 friends you make along the way. experience which I did at both More! Stirling email [email protected] for more Marketing Co-ordinator, magazine and Cosmopolitan. I was nervous on my first day on After 11 years at Stirling, I graduated information. Ogden Clinic, UTAH I started my studies at Stirling in campus, but as the days and weeks for the final time with some sadness My final semester was particularly September 1997. Being a local lad, flew in, I gradually became more Attending Stirling was without a and great pride in receiving three useful as I used my work experience Stay Connected I knew of the global reputation of confident in my abilities and with doubt, the best decision I ever made! degrees from what I (and the to aid my dissertation research. The Keep in touch with Stirling via the Institute of Aquaculture and had great advice and support from The MLitt in Publishing programme Sunday Times) consider a wonderful variety of modules within the course our networks on Facebook and seen at first hand the beauty of the my personal tutor, I successfully provided me with the design and University. also gave me a wide perspective LinkedIn. Join ‘I went to Stirling campus, but was little prepared for graduated as a Registered Nurse. marketing skills needed to pursue of journalism as a whole, which University’ and ‘Stirling University the fantastic journey upon which I a career in graphic design and the 4. Lorna Gray, BA (Hons) in turn has provided me with lots Alumni’ on Facebook and It takes a lot of hard work and was about to embark. professors provided valuable insight Journalism Studies 2009 of inter-changeable skills for my ‘University of Stirling Alumni’ dedication, but remember that you into the publishing industry from their Although student halls in 1997 were Features Intern, chosen career. on LinkedIn. are not alone. I met some great first hand experience. less than impressive, I was fortunate Cosmopolitan, London people who will be my life long enough to quickly make many friends, and found that you get back One of the biggest highlights while Since graduating in June 2009 with friends. In retrospect, I am amazed what you put in with regards to at Stirling, was the incredible a 2:1 degree, I’ve been working with at how quickly those four years academic and practical work. Some friendships I formed with people from the features team at Cosmopolitan passed. During my further degrees, days were harder than others during around the world. I am fortunate to magazine. I’d already been at the I met many people from across the REMEMBER TO KEEP IN TOUCH my course, but it’s amazing how talking count them as some of my closest magazine for work experience and world that I now call friends and I As an alumnus you remain a key member of the University throughout with friends and tutors can help. friends, even though we live in was asked back when they got the currently work alongside a friend and your life. With this in mind we are reviewing how we can best encourage various countries now! opportunity to hire an editorial intern. Finding a job was worrying, but hints classmate from my Masters degree. and enable you to participate in the development of the University. We and tips sessions were provided by the Currently, I am accountable for the Studying at Stirling fuelled my interest During my time at Stirling, I have will be consulting widely with alumni to ensure we capture and consider University. I was lucky as I applied for marketing and graphic design at a for print journalism, especially the noticed many changes; from the the broadest possible input. You can update your contact details at two nursing posts and got interviews multi-specialty medical practice in magazine journalism module which development of the internationally focused on all aspects of features www.alumni.stir.ac.uk/update_details

24 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 25 Services looking after the middle third am Head of School, for the School 1970s of the UK. I am still in touch with of Media and Communications at Kirsteen Ross, BA English 1973 loads of friends from Uni and went Management Development Institute I left Stirling in 1973; I left work to two alumni weddings in 2009 - of Singapore. After several years of in 2009. I find that being retired is Emily Farnworth’s in Prague and Chris corporate life, academic life has its like being a student. I do as I like Jackson’s in Bermuda. Find me own challenges which I relish - I again, but in more comfortable on Facebook. enjoy moulding young minds, surroundings. pushing boundaries whilst building Darren Su, Dr Ziya Haq, the school. This ethic and spirit is Visiting Student 1995 PhD Chemistry 1976 something I have acquired from my I got married a few months ago to I left Unilever in 2000 and started time at Stirling. a fantastic little cowgirl named my own consultancy company. Tiffany. You’ll typically find us in Emma-Lisa Hill, BSc (Hons) In April 2001 I was appointed to California where I work for MTV as Biology 2005 Cheshire Probation Board and I producer of Xfire.com. I’d love to I’m looking for Charles, who shared am also a member of the Scientific reconnect on Facebook or via my the top floor of Murray hall in 2000 Advisory Board of Acal Energy. Last website darrensu.com to 2001. Emma (em-j) Hill. I can’t year I was invited to the reunion of remember his surname, but would the Chemistry Department. I found Heather Alari, BA (Hons) love to get back in touch with him. this very interesting and somewhat Business Studies 1996 My email address is sentimental; it brought all the Since 2006 I have been working [email protected] memories flooding back. as National Fundraiser for Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Katerina Mouzouraki, 1980s Torture. My role involves fundraising MSc Public Relations 2005 Hamish Steedman, for our national development centres, Greetings from Greece. Since my BA Economics 1980 which provide rehabilitative support graduation I’ve been working As a result of meeting through an to torture survivors and are located in as an Account Manager in V+O alumni Glasgow reunion last year Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, and COMMUNICATION, a Greek PR I am working with fellow alumnus Birmingham. agency, based in Athens. I’ve been Steve Galloway (BA 1989) from recently married to Apostolos Adam Featherston, BA (Hons) Exigomarketing.com to establish Foteinos. Would love to have another Marketing 1998 ways to the lucrative Japanese market alumni reunion in Athens soon. My wife Jenny and I are very pleased for products from Scotland’s last to announce the arrival of baby Paul McCormick, BA (Hons) traditional golf club manufacturer. I Featherston! Born September 16th, Spanish & Marketing 2005 would like to hear from any Stirling our first child Lucy Grace has brought I relocated immediately after alumni who might be looking for endless joy and sleepless nights! graduation, and have been living unique corporate golfing gifts or Airthrey in Alicante for several years now. might be interested in developing Lilian Ann Rae, BA (Hons) Working as an International markets for St Andrews Golf Sociology & Social Policy 1999 Sales Executive and living on the Company products. I had a big birthday party on 10 Mediterranean coast. Contemplating October 2009 when I hit the big 5-0 Carol Anne Stewart, a Masters in UK 2010...perhaps and got engaged to Stewart Brown BSc Management Science 1988 in Stirling?! from Glasgow. I’ve also moved to a I am working with AXA Insurance specially adapted disabled bungalow Contacting friends Over the centuries, many lives have been played out issued by the Royal College of but more interesting is that I am also in Blackburn, West Lothian. The following alumni are not in Midwives and sold as part of their Founder/Chairperson of Scotland’s against the imposing backdrop of Airthrey Castle. Today contact with the University so we most successful Women’s Football it is the dramatic setting of the University’s School of fundraising campaign for a new were unable to put University friends Club - Glasgow City FC: 2000s maternity college. Each brick cost Charlotte Sorce back in touch. Law but 80 years ago, it had a different function entirely. www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk. I Babies£1 – which was a sizeable amount (née Saunders), BA (Hons) From 1939 when it became a maternity home, until 1969 would love to hear from you if you Vivienne Adams wants to get in of money back then – and because English & French 2000 when it passed into University hands, Airthrey Castle was want to be part of an ambitious club. touch with Wendy Robinson, BA I emigrated to France in 2000 and I’d had twins, I was obliged to buy English 1982. the birthplace of thousands of local babies. would like to get in contact with Lucy two of them. Both Gillian and Hazel 1990s Blewitt, a school and university friend David Cottam, BSc (Hons) Biology returned to the campus on their Mark Cranstoun, (I still have your Winnie the Pooh in 1981 would like to get in touch with BA Economics & In response to a newspaper appeal “I was only two weeks before my due wedding days, to be photographed where are they now Latin!). My email is: Alexander Wilson, BSc (Hons) Biology Accountancy 1991 made by the University last year, date when I learned I was expecting against the stunning backdrop of the [email protected] 1981 and Deborah Dutton, BSc After working in commercial roles many people from the Stirling twins. At Airthrey, the babies’ early castle and its loch.” and tel is 00 33 5 56 59 93 76. (Hons) Environmental Science 1983. for 18 years I’ve recently set up area have sent us their memories arrival was discouraged by a diet Mrs Angela McGregor, Blairgowrie www.totalnegotiation.com to help Fiona Waddell, BA (Hons) Film of Airthrey which offer tantalising of cold milk, juice or water with remembering March 1958 companies maximise their profitability. & Media Studies & Politics 2003 glimpses of young mothers’ meals and no hot soups or cups of I’m living in Henley On Thames with I now work as a Project Manager “By the time my husband was wife Emma and children Max, three for Ingenico UK and Andrew and I experiences half a century ago. We tea. Once my daughters, Gillian and and Leila, one. (finally) got married in December. I have printed some here, but you can Hazel were born, I was transferred knocking on the front door of would love to hear from Claire McFall find many more examples at: to a room with a view across the Airthrey, I was already in labour. It Stan Shires, We would love to find out what if she is reading Stirling Minds. www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk lake to the Wallace Monument and was opened by a nurse who ushered BA (Hons) Marketing 1994 you’re up to. Keep your news coming me in, said a few words to him as I have just moved to a gorgeous Vinod Kumar, MSc Media in and email [email protected] to be remember watching deer walking village called Lower Swell near Stow Management 2003 included in the next issue. This is only across the front lawn in the snow. he stood on the front steps, took my on the Wold in the Cotswolds. Still Roshan is now one and a half years a selection and more can be found on I still have the two ‘bricks’ I was asked suitcase from him and closed the door loving working for Citroen UK. I am old and my wife is expecting our the alumni website at to purchase. They were postcards in his face! >

c lass notes now a Regional Manager for Parts & second child in July. Professionally, I www.alumni.stir.ac.uk/class-notes

26 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 27 After Elaine’s birth, my husband and “My two children were born in installed. The place was cold and directly above that and had a balcony. were impressed that I lived in a castle My dad loved working at Airthrey – mother were allowed to view our new Airthrey Castle. Michael was a damp, with no electricity and only Everyone was in awe of ‘Matron’ (although I didn’t really!) and always images particularly his chauffeur duties. He baby through the nursery window Christmas Eve baby and babies born gas lighting. – whether Ms Clarke, Ms Taylor or wanted to come home with me. Evelyn with her drove the Matron’s Packard, which father, John only. Even I wasn’t allowed to hold at that time received gifts of matinee Ms Bunyan. They were all spinsters, and two nurses, was a beautiful machine, complete her outside of feeding times – and jackets, hats and bootees, while the Since there weren’t any other kids of course; back then, nurses had a There were some disadvantages to dressed up for with running boards. And there was Halloween. breast feeding was obligatory, bottle mothers received body lotion and nearby and since I had no one to play vocation and didn’t get married. living at Airthrey; I couldn’t go to the A cottage in the 1932 Rolls Royce Shooting Brake feeding being strictly condemned. talcum powder. We were allowed to with, I used to trail around after my Brownies because of the distance and Airthrey Castle that was used as an ambulance. yard. The castle was cold and Victorian and have extra visiting hours and even dad while he worked. I was allowed Dad and I had to use the back I was always being warned to stay The Packard - we were confined to bed. The routine the food was special. I liked the tall to go everywhere, except for the entrance and weren’t allowed away from the loch, especially when it Matron’s pride I was very lucky to have grown up and joy. was strict, Matron was fierce and I windows and high ceilings in the Labour room and the babies’ nursery. anywhere near the main staircase. was covered with ice. But it was nice at Airthrey. I didn’t have anyone to Mr Scott with can’t say my time there has many castle and remember being taken Dad was addressed as ‘Scott’ – living so close to nature. Lots of birds, two abandoned play with but, with a castle on the baby deer. good memories. However one happy on a stretcher up a beautiful curved There was a laundry room in the not ‘Mr Scott’ or ‘John’. He was squirrels, rabbits and deer used to doorstep, it’s easy for a little girl to Evelyn’s mum memory is of the New Year Ball. The staircase to the delivery room.” basement with a narrow stairway summoned by three rings on the come down to the water’s edge and fishing on live in a world of make-believe.” gloomy ground floor wood panelled Margaret Pellicci, Calgary, Canada leading up from it to the entrance bell in the basement and was on call once Dad found two abandoned baby Airthrey loch. Young Evelyn hall was transformed for the occasion hall. The steps had been closed off around the clock. roe deer that we tried to hand rear. and her parents. Since it was built in 1791, Airthrey by decorations and lights. Fearful of Stirling resident Evelyn Duncan, who as apparently someone had fallen to The impressive Castle has served the needs of being discovered, several of us young was born there in 1949, grew up their death down them – which had Even Christmas Day wasn’t a holiday By this time, my parents had moved Christmas tree generations of owners – and is decorations. mothers crept out of our rooms to treating Airthrey Castle as her second led to the story that the castle was for him, as the big boilers had to further up the hill to another house Images still doing so today. Completely look down on the dancing couples, home, making her memories of haunted by the Grey lady. be stoked every few hours. My first called Loch View Cottage, which courtesy of refurbished last year, yet retaining Mrs Evelyn dressed in their finery – presumably Airthrey life quite unique: memory, from when I was about had a proper bathroom and kitchen Duncan. its very special character and sense the medical staff. The atmosphere Although the staff were nice to three, was seeing the huge Christmas and was a palace compared to Brae of history, it sits at the heart of was magical – like a scene from past “In 1946 my dad was employed as me, there was definitely a touch tree which was set up in the bay Cottage. When the decision was the University’s campus, providing times – and an all too brief interlude Airthrey’s chauffeur-cum-handyman of ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ about the window of the impressive entrance made to build the present house for our School of Law with a uniquely in an austere and unwelcoming and our family lived in Brae cottage, place. For instance, the staff didn’t hall. I’d never seen anything like it the Principal, our home had to be beautiful teaching environment. environment where Matron really did which sits halfway up the hill leading mix. Instead, nurses and downstairs before and thought it was marvellous. knocked down. So we were moved to rule supreme.” to the Principal’s house. Formerly the staff had separate dining rooms. a residential caravan that was parked To read more memories of Airthrey, Elizabeth Allan, Alva remembering castle laundry, it still had huge sinks in Matron’s office was in the Sun Room When I was older, I cycled to school just across from where the Air 3 radio log onto: December 1959 the kitchen and a bath had also been of the Big Hall, her apartment was in Bridge of Allan. My school friends station office is now. www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk

28 / Stirling minds / Alumni,Alumni, SStafftaff andand FriendsFriends www.stirlingminds.stir.ac.uk / 29 Why adV erT i S inG FeaTUre Scotland

It’s not just quality, but great value for needs money as well that awaits anyone bringing a conference or event to Scotland, and nowhere more so than in the arena of Ambassadors international association conferences.

A number of undergraduate students ith a plethora of new So why Should So, now has never been a better time have been making a splash in the developments recently to sign up and support your country new British Swimming Intensive W completed or currently you get involved? – you will be making a valuable contribution Training Centre. Lewis Smith, Andy underway, this country has an unrivalled hoSting a conference to the economy as well as encouraging Hunter and Ireland’s Clare Dawson infrastructure to deal with events large your peers to sample first-hand everything all competed at the Fina World and small. And research from VisitBritain in your own home that Scotland has to offer. And you can CaTriona anderSon Championships in Rome. Marketing Manager, highlighted that Edinburgh and Glasgow do it in the knowledge that with venues Associations territory will help for VisitScotland’s are in the top three best value locations such as Dunblane Hydro, the Falkirk Wheel Triathlete David McNamee, a 4th Business Tourism Unit in Europe for association conferences. to raiSe the profile and Gleneagles on the doorstep you can year Accountancy student and part guarantee your colleagues an experience of triathlonscotland’s Performance In total, business tourism contributes of your organiSation to remember. squad, was selected for the GB £723 million to the Scottish economy, and you Stand to U23 team competing at the World around 18% of total tourism income. Championships across a gruelling A significant proportion of this comes gain preStige and 1,500m open water swim, 40km from the 300-plus association events recognition from bike ride and 10km run. that take place each year, many of which have involved the support of local people. your fellow On the football front, the University It is for this reason that VisitScotland’s welcomed the SFA National Women’s profeSSionalS. sporting Business Tourism Unit (BTU) runs an active Football Academy, where 12 of Ambassador Programme through the You might think it’s a lot of work, and Scotland’s most promising players University, encouraging everyone involved it is, but we are here to help every step highlightS work alongside coach Pauline Hamill in specialised organisations, professional of the way. Registered ambassadors to develop their talent and complete bodies and associations to help us to have access to a range of tools that take Sport at Stirling continues to go from strength to strength, an academic degree. spread the message about Scotland. the pain out of preparing tailor-made building on our status as Scotland’s University for Sporting For the men’s football team, 2010 When the World Congress of the bid documents. Through our dedicated Excellence. In 2009 there were a number of sporting has kicked off in fantastic fashion International Society for the History of ambassador website – available to members highlights for both current scholars and our internationally with one title already secured. They on www.conventionscotland.com/ambassador renowned graduates. Physical Education and Sport was hosted at successfully retained the Queen’s the University of Stirling in July 2009, it was – you can access a comprehensive venue Park Shield, awarded to the Scottish search, access an extensive image library Winning Students, Scotland’s national the first ever Scottish woman to win largely thanks to the efforts of one of our University League champions. of inspirational Scottish photography, sports scholarship scheme supporting a golf major when she clinched the ambassadors, Professor of Sports Studies, The team is also on course for customise a ready-made presentation and top student athletes across a network British Open. Matthew followed this Wray Vamplew. The BTU team supported promotion to the East of Scotland much more. And shortly to be launched of colleges and universities, almost with an appearance alongside fellow Professor Vamplew in preparing the bid Premier Division. for the 200-plus delegates to come to the is our bespoke downloadable bid document doubled its numbers in its second Stirling graduate Maria Hjorth in the University itself, the Management Centre that does the work for you. Even better, year. Led by Stirling, students Solheim Cup before being honoured In tennis, several tournaments have and Dunblane Hydro, as well as visiting when your bid has been successful, benefitting from the scholarship with an MBE in the New Year been hosted on campus at the the surrounding area. Such events impact professionals are on hand to guide and support include British No.1 Honours List. On the men’s European Gannochy National Tennis Centre, positively not just on Stirling, but also on support you in the run-up to the event – wheelchair tennis player Gordon Reid Tour, 2007 Marketing and Sports including an Aegon British Tour event Scotland, and it is important that we keep from recommending professional conference – a first year undergraduate student Studies graduate Richie Ramsay which was won by fourth year Sport promoting this country’s standing on an organisers to providing ideas for social at the University – and Olympic won his maiden Tour event, the and Politics student Joe Gill. He can international stage. programmes and post-conference tours. swimmer Hannah Miley from Robert South African Open Championship take inspiration in his bid for world Gordon University. while Sports Studies student Kelsey ranking points from the form of Find out more at conventionscotland.com/ambassadors or by MacDonald has been named in the graduate Colin Fleming, a GB Davis Golf, a flagship sport at Stirling, contacting the VisitScotland BTU team on +44 (0)131 472 2376. provisional 2010 Curtis Cup squad Cup player, who impressed in doubles produced much to cheer. Alumna and has until the end of April to at the Australian Open building on his Catriona Matthew made history as ensure she makes the final team. two ATP Tour Doubles titles in 2009.

30 / Stirling minds / Alumni, Staff and Friends

Falkirk Wheel at night

5458-VS_Advertorial_SM_297x210.indd 1 3/3/10 12:43:31 “Stirling richly deserves its award. It has provided a distinctive higher education for the past 40 years in a fantastic setting. High quality teaching is backed up Scottish by research demonstrating innovation and excellence University across several subject areas.” 2009/2010 Alastair McCall, The Sunday Times University Guide.

www.stir.ac.uk Image by Wattie Cheung