Scotland on Sunday - Young voters fired up to join the political fray

Before the independence referendum, young Scots were often seen as disconnected from politics. But when voters aged 16-17 were handed the vote for the first time, around 80% of eligible under-18s signed up.

Three years later, we have a 22-year-old MP in Mhairi Black, a 22-year-old MSP in Ross Greer and an 18-year-old Labour candidate, Eli Aldridge, standing for Westminster. But what is most noticeable is the upsurge in young representation at local level.

In this month's council elections every major party had several candidates aged under 30 elected, some barely out of school.

Euan Blockley, Conservative councillor for Glasgow's Linn Ward, is now the youngest elected representative in Scotland. The 19-year-old only joined the party last year but was backed unanimously by his party's local branch when he stepped forward to run.

He said: “I first got involved because of the independence referendum and supported the Better Together campaign straightaway.

“But it was last year when I got more and more into politics. I was constantly watching PMQs and Question Time and Daily Politics – my Mum was getting sick of it because it's all I would talk about. Then I joined the Conservatives because I thought Ruth Davidson was the leader defending the union.”

Davidson was also a catalyst for the decision of Springburn and Robroyston councillor Christina Cannon to enter politics. She is also 19, but represents the SNP.

“Ruth Davidson and the MSP Sandra Whyte had a debate in my school. I was undecided until that debate, but after hearing their arguments and doing some research I swung to a definite Yes to independence," she said.

“Seeing the impact this Tory government has on Scotland and the lack of powers the Scottish Government has to mitigate how vulnerable people are affected convinced me.”

Cannon decided to run for her ward only six weeks before the election. “It's an area with a high level of poverty,” she said. “I understand that and relate to it so when it came to these elections I wanted to be involved. The responses on the door were fantastic, but I was still slightly in shock when I won."

The referendum was not the starting point for every young candidate. Ben Lawrie, 22, joined the Liberal Democrats in 2013 after developing an interest during university.

Elected in the Monifeith and Sidlaw seat on Angus Council, he said working to improve mental health provision is among his key priorities.

“I was prepared for age to be a barrier and for people to say I was wet behind the ears, but when they saw me running an upbeat social media campaign I think they saw that someone with a fresh face and a lot of energy could be good here.”

Adam Wilson, 21-year-old Labour councillor for Annandale North, is another fresh face who believes energy and ideas were vital reasons he was elected. "Some people on the doorstep question my age and asked 'would you manage it?' But I think I have a good understanding of the issues that affect people here.”

This article was first printed in The Scotland on Sunday on Sunday 14 May 2017.

The Scotsman - Food for thought as new 'social' restaurant opens its doors

Picture: Kerrin Carr

Work has begun on a new 'social' restaurant in Ayr, which is aiming to fight food poverty and promote community spirit.

The restaurant, named Unity Grill, is the brainchild of Angela McNay, who has pledged 100% of the profits will be invested into fighting food poverty.

Ms Mcnay, who has just finished a social policy degree, has been volunteering at her local food bank for the last three years.

She believes food poverty and social isolation go hand in hand and wants Unity Grill to “to help alleviate hunger in a meaningful, communitarian way" by allowing "those who cannot afford to pay the chance to sit at our table with those who can”.

“I wanted to create a space where that's not a barrier so customers have the option of volunteering an hour of their time for a voucher, meaning you can come back another time if you don't have the money. It restores people's dignity because it's not about getting something for nothing.”

Angela has long been committed to campaigning against deprivation in her area. As a student at the School for Social Entrepreneurs, she even wrote her dissertation on food poverty.

She said: “My inspiration really comes from the experiences I've had working at the South Ayrshire food bank and other food organisations. I've seen the impact that food poverty has on people every day.

“This is my attempt to do something different. So much of our culture is based around food. You meet your friends for food and coffee, but if you face food poverty you can't take part in that.

“All of our profits will go back into allowing us to use our voucher scheme. We'll also allow customers to 'pay it forward' so customers can pay for a coffee or a lunch or someone's dinner – that will also allow us to continue to give vouchers.”

After receiving funding from the Bank of Scotland to put her plan into action, Angela set up a crowd fund to raise money for furniture and kitchen items. The £5,000 target was smashed in under two months, with 174 supporters raising £6,210.

Now she is adding the finishing touches to the restaurant with a little help from the good people of Ayr. Yesterday, volunteers from Give a Day Ayrshire, an initiative where people take a day out to support local projects, painted the exterior of the shop.

She said: “Everything we've done has involved the local community. We've also been running different courses every week. For example, we're running a course with the Upcycling Pallet Company so people can learn things like how to lay a floor and how to make furniture.

“It's not just about using volunteers to get things ready; it's all about teaching and learning things together.

“It helps the community have ownership of the space. It means someone can come in and say 'I made that' and take ownership of a part of it.”

Although the project has been supported by the local community, Angela said that staff would be hired and paid and the restaurant would be run as a business.

She has also appointed an all-female board of directors to help ensure the restaurant opens smoothly at the end of the summer while involving the community every step of the way.

Laura Waters, one of the directors, said: “As well as tackling food poverty it is about bringing communities together. The beautiful thing about Unity Grill is that if cannot to pay you are able to volunteer your time.

“No one wants to use a foodbank and with Unity Grill you can choose want you want to eat and it will be fresh good food.”

This article was printed in The Scotsman newspaper's Giving Back section on November 8 2017.

Oban Times Music Column - June 30 2016

OBAN rapper Rory O’B is set for a busy summer after announcing his new EP, ‘Quit Rapping’, and a number of gigs and festivals. He’s set to release the project on an undisclosed date after his performance at the legendary King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut on July 18.

Although Rory invited notable hip hop producers to help engineer the final product, the record sees him rapping over live instrumentation that he recorded entirely by himself, including guitar, bass and cajon. Rory believes this makes for a more ‘folky, local sound’.

Rory says: ‘It’s important for hip hop emcees to talk about their surroundings. Oban might not have the shock factor or be particularly dangerous, but it’s the place that affected me and there’s plenty of potential for humour too.

‘There’s no point saying you grew up in the slums if you didn’t. It’s your stories. I think people from rural towns could relate to the stuff I rap about more than urban hip hop because it’s closer to home.’

Rory first started rapping in his teens after performing in a string of local rock bands. He conveys these various influences through an expressive and heavily accented vocal delivery when he raps.

‘My first real exposure to hip hop was actually off a punk label compilation,’ says Rory. ‘From there I heard emcees from other countries and realised that people could rap in their own accent. I got into the Scottish scene from there.

‘I didn’t tell people originally because I was nervous about it, even when I moved to Greenock for college. I thought folk from Oban would laugh at it. I remember performing one show in The Waterfront where I performed and everyone just stared at me. I just wanted it to end.’

However, people’s reactions changed when he released the song ‘She Says’ with established Oban rapper K9 Kev in 2010. The catchy track became a favourite at open mic nights and gig showcases, encouraging Rory to pursue hip hop more intently.

‘It made me think I could do it,’ says Rory. ‘I think people in the local area and Scotland as a whole are becoming more open minded about hip hop. There are young people in town taking up rapping and making beats. There’s still a novelty factor for some people but it’s getting much better.’

The six tracks on Rory’s new EP present humorous observations on Oban and growing up as well as broader social commentary. He’s looking forward to unveiling the tracks in Glasgow where he has a built up a small but committed fanbase.

‘I’m planning an album launch party in Glasgow,’ says Rory. ‘I’m also going to be playing at Kelburn Garden Party, King Tut’s Summer Nights Festival and Audio Soup Festival.

‘I might come back to Oban and do something as well. K9 Kev’s charity gig in February was a massive success – it shows that there’s a real growing interest in hip hop in Oban.’

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First printed in The Oban Times on June 30 2016.

Oban Times Music Column - June 16 2016

MARKIES Music Festival revived Oban Live’s party atmosphere last weekend, drawing huge crowds. Audiences enjoyed a stacked bill of free music on one of the hottest weekends of the year so far.

Local bands such as Ceol an Aire and Crackin Craic were joined by up-and-coming traditional outfit Hò-rò and popular Irish folk group Crooked Reel. One of the biggest receptions was saved for Oban rock trio Chunks, who headlined the first night of the festival.

Chunks bassist Stevo Finlayson, who helped organise the festival, is a passionate promoter of the Oban scene and believes the response to the weekend is further evidence that it’s growing.

‘Like Oban Live, Markies Music Fest shows how much passion there is for music in and around Oban,’ says Stevo. ‘It would be great to see more events like this in the local area.

‘Our slot went very well, the place was heaving and there was such a buzz. We played in Markies a few weeks ago for the Oban Live fringe and thought it couldn’t get any busier than that, but it was. That’s the kind of gig we like: when everybody is in good spirits and really enjoying our set.’

The festival is the first that Markie Dans have attempted as a three day event. Despite the big numbers the weekend mostly went off without a hitch, the only regrettable consequence being that latecomers in the evening were turned away.

‘Both the beer garden and pub were very busy,’ says organiser Lindsay MacMillan. ‘The staff and stewards coped excellently with the huge volume of customers we had.

‘However, the feedback we have had from customers so far was very positive. It’s really difficult to say what the highlight was. Every band played well – it was a brilliant mix of musical talent from here and away.’

DUNBEG songwriter Mike Nisbet surprised fans on Saturday by releasing a free album. The ten-track LP, entitled ‘Fashion & Trash’, is the multi-instrumentalist’s follow-up to last year’s ‘The Ballad of Body and Soul’.

When speaking to The Oban Times a few months ago, Mike had just finished the unnamed project and was set to re-record in a studio. However, the final result is a completely DIY project, recorded entirely on his iPhone.

‘Something about these first recordings stuck with me,’ says Mike. ‘There was a certain vibe and romance to these versions that I loved. I realised I wanted to share these versions of the songs at their most honest and raw, like a view into the sketch book.’

Mike’s most recent project was with The Artpackt Collective, a group of London-based solo artists. He released compilation albums with the group and performed covers and traditional material with them on recent tours.

However, ‘Fashion & Trash’ sees Mike return to playing entirely original songs. In spite of the lo-fi quality of recordings, the album is a cohesive body of work full of bluesy melodies and fingerpicked guitar. 

First Printed in The Oban Times on June 16 2016

Oban Times Music Column - June 2 2016

LOCALS have never had to look far for quality traditional music. However, Markie Dans played host to a different sort of ceilidh band last Friday. Inspired by ska and funk, Inverness and Speyside trio Tweed brought a whole new level of energy to the Oban venue.

The band impressed the crowd with their unique arrangements of Scottish classics and more outlandish tunes such as Russian folk song ‘Kalinka’.

Accordionist Graeme MacKay and fiddle player Duncan Farquhar began much like many Scottish dance groups: playing regular slots at pubs and hotels.

However, in 2011 they broadened their horizons by recruiting by recruiting Sam McLeod, an accomplished ska drummer for Edinburgh band Bombskare.

‘The way I like to look at is I turned up and spoilt all of the tunes,’ says Sam. ‘We were playing about and the grooves that I went for just seemed to work.

‘There’s so much space in a 4/4 rhythm or a reel. With us, the bassline might stay the same but the drums will completely change. Sometimes we stumble across funk stuff by accident just by playing around with old Scottish stuff.’

Like all the best experiments, the trio agree that their hybrid sound was created ‘by accident’.

Though the band never rehearse, they enjoy a weekly residence in Aviemore, which has become a training ground for the spontaneous medley-based approach that they bring to their sets.

‘When people see us setting up they assume we’re just a ceilidh band,’ says Graeme. ‘Once we get going people either get up and dance immediately or they just sit there with their jaws to the ground, trying to work out who’s doing what.

‘For a three-piece we do create a really big sound, but there’s no point trying to work out what’s going on because often we don’t even know.’

In November the band released their second album, ‘The Dark Side of the Loom’, which features everything from sped up marches to reels played in ‘reggae style’.

Produced by Graeme’s cousin Marcus Mackay, percussionist for SAY Award winner Kathryn Joseph, the album was possible thanks to a crowdfunding project that raised £3,500.

Touring the album took the band everywhere from a Cyprus military base to an empty Tomintoul village hall. However, the band are quick to hail the west coast as one of their favourite place to play.

‘We were last here for the Mull Music Festival so it’s great to be back,’ says Graeme. ‘Oban’s been amazing every single time we’ve visited.

‘Plenty of tourists come to shows here, especially in the summer, which is great. We’re not really interested in pipes, shortbread and bus parties, but we want to get people dancing, wherever they’re from.

‘We intend to be in Oban on a monthly basis. We’re coming back to Markie Dans on June 10 and July 23, anyway. What can people expect? To jump up and down and dance like hell.’

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First Printed in Oban Times on June 2 2016

Oban Times Music Column - May 19 2016

WHILE much of the town was living it up at Oban Live last Friday, Cuan Mor hosted a more intimate affair.

Local music producers Kevin Burton and Aaron Fortson, known as Disposable Frequencies and Global Beat Initiative respectively, played extended sets at what organisers called ‘the first electronic music showcase in years.’

The event, organised by Alt Option Promotions and Omnibeat Music Group, is intended to be the first of many electronic showcases.

‘In the 90s we had a DJ scene in this town that was bouncing,’ says Kevin, who also co-organised the event. ‘The talent is definitely still out there.

‘There are plenty of people kicking about who have just been sitting in their rooms making music for nobody. We believe it takes a few people to show that it can be done for people to step out and do it themselves.’

Although regular club nights run in Oban, live performances by electronic producers playing their own music are rare. Kevin’s Disposable Frequencies’ set was entirely composed of his own material, drawing from old-school techno and early 90s rave sounds.

 ‘When I start a track I don’t have a destination in mind,’ says Kevin. ‘I just see where the music takes me. My stuff is generally upbeat and messes with the listener – I just try and play the crowd.

‘Another great thing about electronic music is that with all the new technology and kit that’s available, it’s so easy to get into.

‘I use a mix of hardware and software now, but I initially managed to do a lot just on a Korg electric keyboard.’

Like Kevin, Aaron has been producing electronic music in different forms for many years now. Under the Global Beat Initiative moniker he predominantly samples soulful vocals and creates obscure loops, making for a surreal atmospheric sound.

Also a gifted hip hop emcee, Aaron particularly takes inspiration from the different music hubs he’s lived in: Seattle, Chicago and California.

‘I cut up a whole bunch of styles as Global Beat Initiative,’ says Aaron. ‘These styles are really a reflection of the different places and cultures I’ve grown up.

‘I’ve moved around a lot but this is the first time I’ve ever played at, let alone seen, an entire night devoted to electronic music here in Oban.’

As the event clashed with Oban Live, which Kevin admits was a ‘brave move’, the turnout proved disappointing for organisers. However, the organisers are determined to throw more showcases in the near future.

‘We hoped for more spill over at this particular event, but come hell or high water, I intend to play a part in helping an electronic scene develop in this town,’ says Kevin.

Aaron added: ‘I think there’s a huge hole in Oban. Young people often tell me that they’d love to go to raves or electronic nights because it means they wouldn’t have to go down to Glasgow to enjoy it. This was a learning experience and something we’ll definitely do again.’

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First Printed in Oban Times on May 19 2016

Oban Times Music Column - May 5 2016

YOUNG singer-songwriter Iain MacLeod made his first collection of recorded songs available online this week. He believes that ‘The Expired Highland Railcard EP’ shows he’s heading in the right direction.

The EP is released under the name Feral, having been initially intended as a full-band project featuring drums and bass. Instead, we’re treated to six acoustic tracks that tackle themes such as dislocation, growing up and long-distance relationships.

‘The EP is named as such because it represents a certain disconnect you feel with people you know in places like Glasgow,’ says Iain. ‘It was quite cathartic to write songs around the idea that you travel to Glasgow, admiring the scenery on the train, just to party and see friends before having to come back home.

‘Some of the songs were intended as more party-oriented. The plan was to have three electric tracks you could dance to. With my drummer Jamie Livingstone delayed by work, I decided to put this EP out before we look at making a full album.’

Iain first picked up a guitar at fifteen, getting involved in bands at Oban High School before moving to Perth for Music College. Iain, 21, subsequently recorded the EP with John Hausrath, who has worked with the likes of The Signal Fires and Citizen 9, at Dunbeg Studios.

‘Dunbeg Studios was ideal for just recording a few songs,’ says Iain. ‘It’s a great resource for songwriters because you don’t necessarily need to spend loads on mixing and mastering with a full band.

‘I’m really keen to play these songs live with a full band, though. By and large, Oban gig-goers tend to either come to sit and listen or dance. I want people to come and see us play and have a good time.’

Despite describing Oban as a ‘restrictive environment at times’, a sentiment similarly expressed in his music, Iain also describes the town as his ‘main source of inspiration.’

Having last played a show in town several years ago with a previous band, he wants to see more activity on the gig scene. He cites initiatives like the Rockfield Centre’s ‘Let’s Make a Scene’ meetings as positive but wants to see words transformed into action.

He says: ‘It’s great to see people connecting and sharing ideas together but I think we need to get to a stage of setting things up. An open mic night like the old O’Donnells one would be a great first step.

‘Oban has a great traditional scene but we need to do more to promote contemporary music. K9 Kev’s recent charity gig shows there’s a great community spirit and that people will come out for music outside the comfort zone if they think it’s for a good cause.

‘Hopefully we can get to a place where people know they can come and have a good time going to see music that they’re not necessarily familiar with.’

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First Printed in Oban Times on May 5 2016

Oban Times Music Column - April 22 2016

OBAN rockers The Signal Fires have begun work on their new EP at Dunbeg Studios. Having played their last Oban show of the year at Markie Dans on Saturday, the band say that they’re turning their attentions towards recording over the next few months.

Though the four-piece initially formed as a covers band, they started writing and recording their own material last year. Their debut single ‘Ignorance is Bliss’ was released in September, followed by ‘Ignite Our Fears’ in December.

‘We’ve just reached the stage where we just we want to see if we can actually do it,’ says frontman Andy Bruce. ‘We were very proud of our first couple of attempts at songwriting and we just want to build on that.

‘Our own material has a harder edge than the cover stuff most people are used to us playing. We are currently working on a track called ‘Alive’, which looks like it will be our heaviest track to date.’

The band are something of a family concern, with three of the band related, and have built up a reputation as a quality live act over the past few years. However, outside pressures have made it difficult for them to find the time to meet up as a band.

‘Whereas most bands will spend up to weeks in rehearsals, we tend to write and record our own parts separately before bringing it all together in the studio,’ says Andy. ‘It's not the most efficient way of doing things, which is why it takes us long to get things done, but for us it works best to bring each song to completion before moving on to the next one.

‘For example, our track ‘Alive’, is with our drummer Alex at the moment. He’ll record from guide tracks we put in place, then we’ll start building the song from there. I prefer this approach because songs evolve from the initial idea. Instead of rehearsing a song to death, this way keeps everything fresh and exciting.’

The band, who performed tracks by artists as diverse as The Killers and Guns n’ Roses on Saturday, are also developing a reputation as adaptable songwriters. With the help of sound engineer Stuart Mason, they recently completed their first songwriting commission, putting together a track for a private family event.

‘They approached us wanting a song in a specific style for the event,’ says Andy. ‘We went back and forth with ideas for lyrics on social media before we started putting the music together.

‘We were very pleased with the results and, more importantly, the family were delighted. It’s definitely something we are going to do more of in the future if we get the opportunity.’

Despite not playing any Oban shows, the band are set for several gigs and festivals around Argyll and the Highlands over the coming months, including The Crofter in Fort William, The Mull of Kintyre Fringe Festival and The Tarbert Music Festival. Their EP is due out later in the year.

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First printed in The Oban Times on April 22 2016

Oban Times Music Column - February 8 2016

OBAN rapper Kevin ‘K9 Kev’ Irvine brought the house down with a sold- out show at Cuan Mor on Saturday, funding a trip for disabled children in the process, writes Jonathan Rimmer.

The hip hop emcee celebrated the launch of his new EP Dear Diary by reaching the set target needed to take a group of children to France with Hosanna House and Children’s Pilgrimage Trust (HCPT).

Irvine, who works as a youth worker, smashed the £400 target needed to volunteer for the project, and now intends to help take a group of disabled and disadvantaged children on a pilgrimage to Lourdes this Easter.

Selling out the George Street venue before 10pm, Irvine admitted that he was, for once, ‘quite speechless’.

He said: ‘The atmosphere was amazing. In the 10 years that I’ve been putting on shows, this is the first one I’ve ever sold out. The local community has been amazing, especially the businesses who supported our raffle at the end of the show.’

Irvine has been rapping since his mid-teens and revealed that his new EP was written with today’s youth in mind.

‘Growing up in this small West Woast town can be difficult,’ he said. ‘ Working with young people has opened my eyes to the reality of what it’s like to be a teenager in Oban.

‘My new EP reflects back on my own time as a teenager in school, back when I started rapping. Hip hop wasn’t popular here at all then, so it’s amazing to see younger artists trying it.’

Several tracks on the new release feature local solo performers, giving the EP a more folky quality than many hip hop records. Songwriters such as Dave Ayling, Chas McKenzie and Kevin Smith contributed their vocal and instrumental talents.

Saturday’s bill also featured an eclectic mix of local acts, including fellow hip hop performer Rory O’B, DJ/producer KUTBIRD and rock five-piece Citizen9. Irvine praised his fellow performers, as well as the growing Oban scene, saying: ‘In my opinion, O’B is one of the best upcoming rappers in Scotland. I’m incredibly proud to rap alongside him. I loved the diversity of the night in general.

‘ When it came to this project, I always wanted to use resources that were close by. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Now it’s finished, I’m just going to keep on going.’

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First printed in The Oban Times on February 18 2016.

My Scottish Albums of the Year

Today in The National newspaper, with the help of a select panel, Stefan and I selected our favourite Scottish albums of the year. 

Naturally, many of our favourite albums didn't make the list when we averaged out the final results. Luckily for me, this meant my own winner took the prize. However, there are many albums that I loved that didn't make the final cut which I'd like to pay tribute to.

So without further ado, my personal top 20 of 2015:

1. Chvrches - Every Open Eye

2. Kathryn Joseph - Bones You Have Thrown Me and Blood I Have Spilled

3. Iain Morrison - Eas

4. Mog - Nomad's Land

5. Halo Tora - Omni/One

6. Vasa - Colours

7. Urvanovic - Amateurs

8. Lockah - It Gets More Cloudy

9. Sorren MacLean - Winter Stays Autumn

10. Prides - The Way Back Up

11. Federation of the Disco Pimp - Inamorata

12. Woodenbox - Foreign Organ

13. Bigg Taj v Spee Six Nine - Verses 2

14. C Duncan - Architect

15. A Mote of Dust - A Mote of Dust

16. Pinact - Stand Still and Rot

17. Girobabies - Who Took Utopia?

18. Young Fathers - White Men Are Black Men Too

19. Auntie Flo - Theory of Flo

20. Best Girl Athlete - Carve Every Word

EP's:

Sega Bodega - Sportswear

Hector Bizerk - The Bell That Never Rang

Ubre Blanca - The Sadist

The Van T's - Laguna Babe

Grum - First Contact

Dialects - LTKTL

Merry Christmas btw! x