Number 36 September/October 2020 The ADAPT Issue
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Number 36 · September/October 2020 · The ADAPT Issue
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Editor’s Letter
I am absolutely delighted, as Editor, to welcome
everyone to the ADAPT issue of Ayrshire Magazine.
AM is a not-for-profit magazine designed and delivered with
the people of Ayrshire in mind. And, once again we have
thought carefully about that in this our latest issue – ADAPT.
Phyllis, as our owner, is very much part of the drive that helps
make this magazine one of quality and style, and I am also
lucky to work with a great team who are always around to help,
support and uncover some great stories.
But, the most important people in this equation are you, and
we are grateful to all those who have been on this journey with
us and those who, we hope, will come on this journey with us in
the future.
Buying a house? Fairly straightforward, right? Well, Billy
Kirkwood tells us how...erm...straightforward it is.
Speaking of our homes, TV Presenter and Interior Designer,
John Amabile, is open to giving everyone – not just the rich and
famous – tips on home improvements.
Gill has been speaking to 'local hero' and 'well-known' face
about town, Cathy Jamieson, who has been raising money,
once again, for charity. Ms Sherry has also been looking at how
divorce rates have soared during lockdown and how she has
'adapted' to working from home with her husband. Angela also
offers some tips on how to 'survive' with your children...that
should be very useful!
We also have stories about how some of the best talent in
Ayrshire have had to adapt to COVID-19. We speak to
actor/writer/director (The State Of It, BBC Social) Hannah
MacMillan, Amazon Prime filmmaker Kris Scott, and singer/
songwriters Ashleigh Millar and Matthew Hickman.
Hayleigh Barclay, Aaron Mullins and Annebelle Beckwith all
discuss their books.
Oh yes, and there are a family of teddy bears, Sunshine, Hope
and Rainbow, who kept Largs, and in fact – through Facebook
– the world, amused with their antics.
Once again, Vanetha has a great mouth-watering recipe for us
and tells the story of three people adapting to COVID-19, while
David Bell reports on the Women's Golf Open – presumably
without spectators. We will also discover how our addiction
services coped and adapted to unprecedented times.
Don't forget to check out our blog, Life As It Happens, on our
Facebook page every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
See you next time...
– Sergio Burns
QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE | 5
Contents
12. Events
18. Adapting
24. Kris Scott
28. Hannah MacMillan
38. Gill Sherry
40. Ayrshire Pets
44. Wellbeing
47. Community
56. Tamfest
62. Local Hero
28.
72. Fashion
88. Beauty
91. Travel
95. Food & Drink
100. Vanetha Cuthbert
103. Tech
106. Ayrshire Mums
108. Business
116. Billy Kirkwood
118. Interiors 62. 88.
124. Sport
125. James Fowler
128. AIG Women's Open
106.
116. 128.
Contributors What's On
Phyllis McLeish Kelly Cripps LOL COMEDY A DEVIL'S TALE, HALLOWEEN
Owner Fashion & Beauty Editor MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
phyllis@ayrshiremagazine.com kelly@ayrshiremagazine.com Troon Concert Hall, Troon
Friday 23rd October Savoy Park Hotel, Ayr
Laura Michlek Sergio Burns
Sales & Events Executive Editor Time: 7.30pm for 8.00pm Friday 23rd October
EDITORIALS, laura@ayrshiremagazine.com sergio@ayrshiremagazine.com
Tickets: £12.50 plus small booking Time: 7.00pm – 10.30pm
A. B. Collier fee Tickets: £37.00 per person
ADVERTISE IN
Billy Kirkwood A PIRATE'S LIFE FOR ME
info@ayrshiremagazine.com Comedy returns to Troon, with an even The Plot
David Bell EXHIBITION
better line-up!
Eilidh Armstrong ayrshire magazine 01563 501 558 Rozelle House Galleries, Rozelle Park
Featuring:
In October 1783, a sinister secret society
of crooks, swindlers and cheats meet in
Gill Sherry Available until Sunday 13th September
Gary Delaney Ayr for a night of drunken revelry. As the
Kelly Cripps villains of ‘Hell Club’ swap devilish tales
Time: Monday – Saturday 10am –
Sergio Burns Double Sony Award Winner • Regular and toast each other’s wickedness, one
5pm, Sunday 12pm – 5pm
Vanessa Good On Mock The Week • Chortle Award rogue moves in for the kill…
Tickets: Entry will remain free Nominee
Vanetha Cuthbert With four alternate endings available,
of charge but you must call 01292
He loves each and every gag and you their Halloween Murder Mystery plays
445447 to pre-book a ticket for a one-
can’t help but be carried away by his
PHOTOGRAPHY, hour period. out differently each time!
infectious charm. He’s like a cheeky
Ayrshire Daily News Ahoy! If you’ve not visited ‘A Pirate’s schoolboy who can barely hide his glee Be entertained by four professional
Bazza Mills Life for Me’ exhibition yet, it’s still at with every punch line. actors in the exquisite setting of Savoy
Gill Sherry Rozelle House. It has been transformed Park Hotel where you will inspect the
Gary’s the only comic ever to have got clues and quiz the suspects in order to
Kilmarnock Football Club into a seaside tavern, pirates bazaar
two gags in the same top 10 for Dave’s solve the murder!
Laura Schantz and a tropical paradise island. To keep
TV Funniest Jokes from the Edinburgh
Maja Jankowska
visitors safe, they’ve had to put away all Enjoy a divine three-course meal*
Fringe. His last tour was extended four
Phyllis McLeish Laura Michlek Sergio Burns the interactives – but, it’s still a fantastic and welcome drink on arrival (Glass
Murray McMillan times and took in over 200 venues, he’s
Owner Sales & Events Executive Editor opportunity to see 70+ objects from the of Prosecco, Bottled Lager or Orange
Natasha Arciniega the premier gag smith of his generation
V&A London collections. Top tip, look Juice).
Robbie Boyd Photography Contributor and shareholder Laura has been working in Sergio has written for and through twitter he’s become one of
out for the #TomFacts – they tell you all
since Nov 2016. She’s a sales and events for the past 6 newspapers and magazines the most followed and quoted comedians Prize for Best Fancy Dress!
Royal & Ancient about South Ayrshire’s pirate past! Yar!
successful businesswoman years and loves seeing a plan in UK, USA, Spain and in the country. *Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free menu
Tom Alner
with a love of literature, come together. She has been Ireland. Arts journalist with Support from MC Hammersmith & option available.
style, interior design, charity bitten by the travel bug and is Contemporary Magazine, he AYRSHIRE FARMER'S MARKET Scott Agnew Once you’ve booked tickets, Chris from
SPECIAL THANKS, and football. Now living a always planning her next trip. also wrote the Europhoria
Kilmarnock Town Centre
bookworm's dream. Hosted by Billy Kirkwood Whodunnit Events will be in touch
Gill Sherry column for The New
Saturday 19th September to confirm your dietary requirements
Entertainer.
and answer any questions you may
Time: 9am until 1pm VIRTUAL TAMFEST have. Alternatively, you can email your
Tickets: Free of charge Sunday 25th October questions to info@whodunnitevents.
co.uk.
Shop for fresh, local produce. Available on Youtube channel: Virtual
Tamfest. Please note that seating may be
When you buy from a farmer’s market,
communal as part of the Murder
you can talk directly to the producer and Every year the procession is one of their
Mystery format.
be sure that the produce is fresh and main highlights where the community
prepared to the highest standard. come together for a fantastic finale
You can also be sure that the sum paid is to Tamfest. This year Virtual Tamfest
going to the farmer/producer and not to wouldn’t be the same without our
middlemen or on unnecessary packaging. procession and having you as the main
part of it!
It is important to remember that by using
these venues, you are supporting the local Through until October they will be
Vanetha Cuthbert Gill Sherry Kelly Cripps economy and sustaining local jobs. running interactive workshops where
Writer Writer Fashion & Beauty you can create your own masks, banners
Pick up something tasty today. etc and include them in our virtual
Vanetha has been teaching Originally from Warwickshire, Kelly has been working as
Gill moved to Scotland from a make up artist for over a procession. These will be easy to make
and catering South Asian
the Middle East in 2016. decade. If you need her you and you can create everything from
cookery for over 10 years. She AYR'S PLANT FOOD FESTIVAL
She’s a nature geek, animal can find her at home watching household items! The virtual procession
is also a marketing consultant. The Grain Exchange, Ayr
lover and Spurs fan with an Vice Principals, so funny, or will be shown on Sunday, October 25th
In her free time, she loves
unhealthy addiction to the sampling the empire biscuits Sunday 27th September – the day of Tamfest – on their YouTube
Please share your copy of listening to music, socialising,
Fantasy Premier League. down at Gro Coffee. channel, Virtual Tamfest.
Ayrshire Magazine and travelling, reading and of Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
recycle it when you are course, cooking for her family. Details to follow very soon on how to
Delicious, nutritious and sustainable. send through your videos and pictures
finished reading, or you
could make some paper DISCLAIMER Go along and meet some of the local for the Virtual Procession!
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices and credits are accurate at time of going to
aeroplanes... press but are subject to change. All advertising is accepted by ourselves in good faith. The publisher is not responsible for the accuracy in any of the adverts.
businesses bringing more plant-based For updates check out their page www.
The publisher cannot accept any liability for any errors or omissions that may have appeared in this publication. Any views expressed by the advertiser may not goodness your way. Hosted by Barefaced tamfest.co.uk.
It's up to you really! be the views of the publisher.
Food.
8 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE | 9
Events Events THE IRIS DRIVE IN MOVIES AT ROZELLE Rozelle Park took a trip back to the 80s and 90s for the penultimate weekend in August when The Iris, Ayr's new Community Cinema and Theatre brought the Drive In Movie to town. With a retro programme of feel good films like Lion King, Dirty Dancing and Grease; and cult classics The Lost Boys and Rocky Horror, thousands flocked to the Drive in for some social distanced cinema. The Taj, Ghillie Dhu, Flaming Indulgence and The Ice Cream Factory provided the catering and The Iris were supported by South Ayrshire Council and sponsors Ayrshire Magazine, Cherry Soda Jewellery and Taj Bar and Kitchen. With the uncertainty that currently surrounds the world of cinema and theatre, the team at The Iris worked to bring some positivity to the town. By delivering a Drive In movie weekend, cinema goers could still enjoy the movies, albeit from the safety of their car. 12 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE | 13
Events Events
Photo Credits – Ayrshire Daily News
VJ DAY CELEBRATIONS
Victory over Japan, this was its 75th anniversary.
This was the day that truly changed the world, not just to bring peace to mankind, but it also signified a sinister new beginning for
humanity, for the nuclear age had been born with America dropping two bombs on Japan to force their surrender.
In celebration of VJ Day, the world would recognise the fallen and Ayrshire was to end up playing a major part in the celebrations
at Prestwick Airport.
COVID-19 put a stop to the normal large gatherings in the UK and instead the Red Arrows planned a celebration fly-by over
Edinburgh at exactly 11am.
Sadly, the weather was not in their favour and the display at Edinburgh Castle was cancelled.
Prearrangements had been made for the team to land at Prestwick to refuel. It was an opportunity not to be missed with war
veterans taxied in to meet the famous Red Arrows and a chance for the BBC, alongside our own local news media, the Ayrshire
Daily News, to interview and record what was to be a truly fitting tribute to VJ Day.
Local aviation expert, Doug Maclean, joined up with Euan Ruddick and interviewed the veterans and some of the Red Arrows. The
stories and indeed the memories moved both reporters as they recalled the stress and trauma that the war had brought to them.
The Red Arrows made a spectacular entrance with their classic V formation with smoke on and after climbing up into the beautiful
blue sky the formation dramatically fell towards the ground with the famous 'Spaghetti Burst’. It was a spectacular salute to the
THE BEATING HEART OF YOUR HOME FOR 36 YEARS
WW2 veterans over Prestwick airport.
Kitchens by J S Geddes invited customers to join in their celebrations by hosting a ‘cookalong’ event with celebrity TV chef,
Jacqueline O’Donnell. Many customers took part in the event by preparing a tasty salmon dish in under 20 minutes, while others As they landed one by one to great applause from the invited press and veterans you could see the delight on everyone's faces. For a
were happy to listen in and get tips from one of Scotland’s top chefs. brief moment it felt as though the Scottish International Airshow was back!
During the preparation of the dish, Jacqueline entertained the audience with her inimitable Glasgow humour and recalled many The veterans were given the celebration they deserved with the Arrows team mixing with them and exchanging stories. Out of the
stories from her childhood. All clients enjoyed a fabulously entertaining evening by linking into Zoom, whilst still being in the negativity came great positivity from everyone, the blue sky, the Red Arrows and the recognition that we were truly amongst heroes.
comfort of their own kitchen.
14 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE | 15
Events MACFARLANE REOPENING Macfarlane held a soft opening on 2nd September celebrating the next chapter of the bar and restaurant being under new management. Based at the top of Sandgate in Ayr, the venue boasts a contemporary interior and artfully designed layout of 24 covers that provides both an intimate dining experience and cosy atmosphere. New owner, Matt, has focused on preserving the restaurant’s heart and soul while evolving the food and beverages that are available. This is illustrated by the updated and innovative menus offering food from around the world and an extensive selection of drinks and wines. With both a traditional A La Carte menu and tapas-style plates on offer, guests enjoyed a wide variety of dishes to suit their preference, whether that was a formal three course meal with paired wines or casual nibbles shared over a bottle of wine. With a tumultuous year under the hospitality industry’s belt, Macfarlane have revived their business and the team are relishing the opportunities that this new chapter and fresh start brings. The official grand opening was held on Friday 4th September. It was a roaring success and now the team are more than prepared for your next visit! 16 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE
Adapting Adapting
Starting a new stage in life Pressing forward with purpose
ADAPTING
Sky Mcgill has had a nerve-racking time like every young “What happened was unforeseen. We were concerned about
person. At 18 years old, when lockdown was announced, she staff but furlough has helped us retain our employees who have
had no clue of what to expect. A graduate of the Dance School been loyal and hardworking throughout the years,” Debbie
of Scotland at Knightswood Secondary, the lockdown was a Hood of Coffee Press explains.
shock to her and fellow students. “We were in the midst of As partners in business and in life, Alisdair and Debbie have
creating our annual shows. We were planning to learn our lines tweaked how they approach their businesses. Not only focusing
MOVING FORWARD IN A DIFFERENT NORM at home and then cram in the rehearsals when we got back to on their coffee shop, they have made changes to their other
school but that was not to be,” she says with disappointment. business, Cottage Catering. Due to the many cancelled events
Vanetha Cuthbert Although overwhelming, the school was supportive with daily on their books, they have since started a popular takeaway
online lessons. It was tough at first but she got the hang of service which can be bought at Coffee Press during opening
things very quickly. Sky was lucky enough that she managed to times or delivered to your home for a small charge. Pre-ordered
We are all Covid-19-fatigued and at a time when “I feel my life is empty every day. I have never been as happy, take her ATCL Musical Theatre Diploma before schools shut home deliveries are on a Tuesday and Thursday each week. All
secure or content as I was with Craig. There will always be a and excelled at that and her Higher Dance examinations. She the information is on their FB page.
so many people’s lives and businesses have been then managed to audition in London drama colleges in the nick
void in my heart. I don’t think life will be as full again but I They have now expanded the coffee shop’s opening times from
affected greatly, we need encouraging news in a of time. However, when lockdown occurred, she had to audition
have my children and great friends which help me to focus on Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 3pm. They have an assortment
time of despair. These three accounts, we hope, moving forward.” online for her remaining applications. of beverages, cakes, pastries and meals available for takeaway
will inspire and allow us all to realise that moving “Doing the auditions on my own in London was scary and or sit-ins. As always, they are keeping in line with government
In a life together that has been cut short so unexpectedly,
forward with purpose, focusing on our wellbeing Nicola shared one of the last things she and Craig said to each having to create my own videos was also challenging but I did guidelines.
and positivity are what we need to do in these other. He said, “Keegs, I am so lucky to have you in my life.” it. I also took over the running of the household as my dad Debbie says, “On a positive note, we have the time to explore
exceptional times. She replied, “Craig, I have been the lucky one.” is a single parent and a Pharmacist who has been working what we offer and how we do it. We have been doing meals and
throughout this period. It was a real lesson as it has given me desserts to suit all dietary requirements. Also, as a bonus, we
Three stories – The sudden loss of a life partner; A young the confidence and the independence that I can do well going are spending more time with our children.”
person starting her next stage of life; An established local forward, ” Sky elaborates with pride.
“I don’t think businesses will be open fully this year in the town
business that has had to change how it thinks. These are stories She is now looking forward to starting a BA (Honours) in and we very much depended on their custom. Our current
of how we adapt when the chips are down. Acting at The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in London business model seems to be working and we are expanding
Marching on despite tragedy later on this month. “It took a while to get the ball rolling. our service to include platter options for entertaining at home
After all the uncertainty, it is good to see a way out.” She has as well as a future retail opportunity in the coffee shop. There
Nicola Keegan lost her partner very suddenly on 4th April to been busy organising for her future in London and is feeling are good businesses in the town and we hope the community
Coronavirus after being admitted into hospital mid-March. A apprehensive yet very excited. champions us all,” she concludes.
resilient soul, she has had to put on a brave front for her and
her late partner’s, Craig McArthur’s, families. Not an easy thing Her wisdom is reassuring for a bright future. “I want to act
to do when they had planned a happy future together. and I hope people will want to see me. I want to be challenged
and inspire the younger generation. It’s a tough industry and
“We were both ill with the symptoms at the same time. At that there are no rights or wrongs but I will make it work! Acting
point, we were not advised on what these Covid symptoms roles have forced me to see the world from other people’s
were and when we felt better at Day 3, we went back to work. perspectives as a whole, not just from my own reality.”
However, Craig was floored each day. We thought it was a
winter bug and he was given antibiotics.”
After five days, Nicola, who had lost her sense of smell and
taste, recovered completely but Craig never did. With his
underlying condition, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, he was
admitted into Crosshouse Hospital and never left.
Nicola is thankful to the hospital staff for looking after Craig.
“Not being able to see him, it was a horrendous and horrible
time for all of us. They were very kind and caring, updating me
daily on how Craig was. There were days when he was better
but days when he wasn’t. Every day was a roller- coaster.” In
the early days, Craig was sending Nicola encouraging messages
of love and fun, which she says is typical of his loving nature.
Moving on without Craig has been difficult but she is doing
so in stages. “I seem to be on autopilot as I have children to
look after and a job. There have been days I haven’t be able to
move or eat but my children give me purpose to put the next
foot forward. I walk as well as keep a gratitude and mindfulness
journal to help me reflect. I am grieving greatly and I identify
the symptoms. It has been hard on my children too as they miss
him so much but we are all pulling together.”
As an External Service Manager of Sparks of Genius, a social
care organisation, Nicola has a lot of experience dealing with
challenges which are part and parcel of her job. However, going
back to work has given her respite from her own grief and her
employers have been so supportive which she is grateful for.
18 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE | 19Hayleigh Barclay Hayleigh Barclay
AM EXCLUSIVE
THE DEEP DARK MIRROR OF THE
HUMAN SOUL...AND OTHER PLACES
AM SPEAKS TO GOTHIC NOVELIST HAYLEIGH BARCLAY
Sergio Burns
They could be described as...surreal dreams. She had taken me by surprise, but it was a good start. She was
Rooted solidly in the realities of everyday life and fun, quick witted, droll. I was warming to her.
science – but taking us somewhere we can only “The book (Girl of the Ashes) is aimed at older teens with
describe as truly fantastical. an adult crossover,” she said of her debut novel due out in
October. “It is a Gothic fantasy about a young woman in
Good fiction, carefully crafted, can persuade us to suspend northern Scotland who is caught in a war between a religious
belief and take us on a journey far beyond what we would cult and Vampires.”
otherwise know. We enter into another universe, live, breathe She smiled again, there was a voice to her right but no visible
and experience the amazing world(s) unfolding before us. Yet, sign of anyone, she looked around and then back to the screen.
they are always tethered to an author – somewhere – shaped
from all their experiences and learning. “Seventeen-year-old Elise is caught in a war which threatens
to wipe out her entire bloodline,” she explained. “Between
We had agreed to Skype. hunting and killing the corrupt Councillors of the religious
Prestwick-based, Ayrshire-born Dr Hayleigh Barclay was cult, the Inservium, and fighting against an ancient curse which
smiling, looking happy when she appeared on screen, and is tearing apart the families of her coven, she blurs the lines
certainly looking younger than her 'confessed' age. of love and hate to become a warrior and survivor. She is an
assassin.”
“I am 32,” she admitted, laughing and sounding resigned. “I'm
getting used to admitting my age.” Hayleigh laughs when I repeat an incredulous: 'Assassin?'. She
confirms. I had heard right.
I complimented her on her choice of headgear – a Kari Traa
'Rothe' beanie – priced at 185.79 Norwegian kroner, that is “It is about finding your identity and place in the world. She
£15.99 to you and I. It suggested she had style without too is an assassin. It is action packed with a sassy heroine and her
much extravagance and I asked her to tell me a bit about eccentric best friend who are as 'kick ass' as they are blood
herself. thirsty.
“I used to be natural blonde,” she quipped and we laughed. “I “The novel looks at what it takes to survive when the world has
am currently going through a phase of loving Poison Ivy and turned against you. It features ancient curses, feuding families
Harley Quinn – I say phase, it has been going on for years.” and assassins. Fans of Killing Eve would love the book.”
She paused. I nod, I have no doubt they will. Jodie Comer transported to a
world of vampires, religious cults and feuding families? I can
“My favourite food is macaroni cheese.”
see that.
20 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE | 21Hayleigh Barclay
Hayleigh, born at Irvine Central, spent her early formative years I said I was impressed by how quick she and her co-editor had
in Tarbolton before her family moved to Prestwick. brought the project together.
A product of Mainholm Academy she went on to study at the “As soon as we approached the writers,” she went on, “everyone
University of the West of Scotland for a BA and Masters in was so keen to be involved and we really could not have done
Broadcast Production and Creative Media Industries, before the project without them. Proceeds go to The Ambulance Staff
graduating with a PhD in Creative Writing (her novel formed Charity who offer support to all ambulance workers and their
part of her thesis) at Glasgow University. families.”
“My thesis,” she informed me, “investigated how 19th century Like in all good Gothic films the screen should become wavy
Gothic vampire literature influences [and] inspires female and we should hear a blood-curdling scream, or the sound of a
Goths. It involved examining how gender perceptions are pack of dogs baying at the moon.
changing, and how women were portrayed in classic literature. I thank her for her time, she smiles again, we wave, she has
For example, the figure of a female vampire in works such as gone.
Dracula (Bram Stoker) and Carmilla (Joseph Sheridan de
Fanu) depicted the dangers of allowing women intellectual and The screen goes blank. It reminds me of one of her own fragile
sexual autonomy.” stars in one of her own doom-laden skies.
She paused again, looking contemplative, her eyes closed Vampires, cults, assassins...blood, the war is coming.
momentarily, her mind churning with the knowledge honed Despite the dark fictional landscape and subject matter of her
from her PhD. This was yet another side to the good humoured novel, Dr Hayleigh Barclay has a wonderful sense of humour
author, her academic prowess on display. and fun. But it would be foolish to underestimate her. She is
“This was particularly relevant,” she pursued her line also determined, has ability and has been known to become
of thought, “if...women stepped outside the confines of involved in causes close to her heart.
domesticity or hetero-normative relationships. In such cases If I described her as a writer, author, campaigner, activist,
the female vampire had to be destroyed, often by the male intellectual, or just an extraordinarily talented young woman
characters, and the status quo...restored. My research examined she would, no doubt, laugh modestly.
how the female vampire character has evolved within novels
But it is all true.
and how the gender definitions and characteristics mirror
contemporary society.” **Girl Of The Ashes will be published by Garmoran Publishing
October 15, 2020**
Who knew?
We have all read classic Gothic literature, or watched movies
like Dracula or dramatisations of the vampire legend on
television. Most of us believe it was simply a story written to
scare the life out of us. But within the pages were psychological
signs and symbolism, heavy sociological angles framed around
certain male dominant structures...that we somehow missed?
Hayleigh – with her knowledge – has written a story which will,
no doubt, keep people enthralled and entertained. Vampires,
religious cults, a little Highland town called Loch Fala but
with contemporary underpinnings none of us could ever have
imagined.
“It is 1897,” she says returning to the novel. “Instead of getting
married, having babies and knitting like all good girls do, Elise
sharpens her daggers and awaits her next victim.”
Note the use of the word 'good' – spawning ideas of
stereotypical expectations – but with Elise hinting at...rebellion?
I mention Lockdown, she makes a face. It proved a difficult
time for Hayleigh. She had to be shielded and desperately
wanted to do something that would help others during this
strange and awful time. But she and a collaborator came up
with an idea to get the writing community involved in an
activity that would generate cash for a good cause.
“The anthology, Stories from Home,” she reveals, “is co-edited
by me and Sylvia Hehir – who I met at The University of
Glasgow. During the pandemic we saw how communities were It is a Gothic fantasy about a young
coming together to give something back. We wanted to do
something that recognised our key workers and would also be
woman in northern Scotland who is
useful to those still in isolation. Between us, it took three weeks caught in a war between a religious
to compile the anthology from start to finish. This included
contacting the 40 writers, editing, design the front cover and
cult and Vampires.
publishing.”
22 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIREKris Scott Kris Scott
AM EXCLUSIVE
DETACHMENT, A CONTEMPORARY TALE
OF STRANGE TIMES – SOUND FAMILIAR?
AM SPEAKS TO WRITER, ACTOR, DIRECTOR, KRIS SCOTT
Sergio Burns
COVID-19. Isolation. He therefore had to adapt his skills and abilities and combine Detachment works on so many levels. As a mirror to the present Kris makes it sound straightforward, but Jordyn Aquino has
these with the technology available to get around the pandemic we are living through. As a rallying call to the human several listings on IMDb, and she is now, no doubt, delighted to
We imagine a face pressed against a window. Frightened, not restrictions of not being able to meet up with the actors and race. As a creative, imaginative project that has been put add Detachment – which also appears on IMDb – onto her CV.
daring to leave the sanctuary of their home, their terrified eyes crew he needed to make the series. together by adapting to the restrictions of operating during So how does Kris Scott see his creation?
flicking back and forth, back and forth. “Exactly,” he agreed again. “So, basically what I would do is, I lockdown.
“It's very like The Road, one of my many inspirations. Another
Lockdown. Ayrshire noir? would write the script [and] I would send it out to the actors. “So, the first episode,” he recalled. “I knew everybody before is 28 Days Later, and Dead Set, all of which give you a sense
The first episode was originally just going to be a short film, it lockdown. I was directing a feature film and... that had to of isolation,” he says. “In the second series (of Detachment)
Oh, how we love our bleak, dystopian, end of the world thrillers. was just going to be a one-off. I wrote the script, and I made the be put on hold. As people saw what we were doing (making
The Road; post-apocalyptic America, a ragged father and son our characters will be going outdoors (as restrictions around
characters. I sent it out to the people that I was talking to about Detachment) ... then their motivation and their enthusiasm lockdown are lifted). The final shots of series 1 was everyone
tramping across the country beneath a restless sky. I am Legend; it. Then we would adapt it and see what we could do and what came back. They got in touch and basically said: 'Can we get
last person alive in New York City... and dog. Dead Set; mini leaving their respective safe havens and going on their journeys.
we couldn't do. I would direct as well, because... some actors involved?'” We will also look at what's been going on behind the scenes...
TV series, black comedy. A Charlie Brooker scripted dance of hadn't really done directing before, it would be new for them or
absurdity which, nevertheless, feels chillingly... possible, and Kris eventually ended up working with twenty actors. what the government are doing and so on.”
camera work. But they got into it really quickly.”
where the only refuge from an outbreak of zombies is the studio “That is when I implemented the: why don't you make your Kris has both humility and ambition. Despite his success, he
of the reality show Big Brother. A series of stories which closely chimed with the COVID-19 own character and then I'll write them into the story?” he knows it can be a fickle industry, and his feet are firmly placed
pandemic everyone was living through, were eventually continued. “What I felt was, that acted like a wee motivator, deep into the earth.
Detachment? Contemporary claustrophobic, dystopian tale of developed.
now released Amazon Prime Video series. because when a person is in lockdown they don't feel very “I have always wanted to be involved in the film industry,” he
“It is what we went through,” he confirms. “It is the onset of the motivated to do anything. So, if I gave them the creative licence told me simply. “I finished studying in 2014... then there was an
“Soooooo,” actor, director and writer of Detachment, Kris Scott, apocalypse, but worse than what we were faced with.” to make their characters, then surely they would feel more
elongates the two-letter word as he ponders. “The creative audition at the Savoy Park in Ayr... that was to get an agent, and
The trailer for the show is, as you might imagine, dark. invested in it.” then it was for Outlander. I didn't get Outlander, I got put onto
industry came to a halt.”
Haunting music, the aptly titled ‘Dark Side of Paradise’ by Scott also managed to call on the services of New Mexico actor Waterloo Road and from there I met people, assistant directors
Actually, the world came to a halt as COVID-19 brought Goldford plays as it opens onto a desperate sounding, near Jordyn Aurora Aquino who plays Hannah in US TV series Better and stuff and it gave me the motivation. When Waterloo Road
lockdown. People were ordered to stay indoors and only sobbing man with fear in his voice (George Bowers), a girl Call Saul. Jordyn appears in two episodes as Gabrielle 'Gabbie' finished I got a text from one of the people involved in Waterloo
allowed out for groceries, medications and one hour of exercise. (Jordyn Aquino) who describes herself as a survivor travelling Alexander the 'survivor' travelling across New Mexico. Road: 'Do you want to come on Outlander?' So, I was like, yeah.”
Pubs, clubs, restaurants, coffee shops and non-essential shops across New Mexico, and the bearded lad at the end who, wide-
were closed, music festivals and all sporting events cancelled. “I interviewed her in January,” he said matter-of-fact. “So I He played an unnamed pupil in Waterloo Road and in Outlander
eyed, says simply: ‘good luck’ (Alastair Rennie). Nice touch. did [that]... randomly because I was a fan of her work. (Later) he was a Lallybroch tenant called Shaun.
“Exactly yeah,” Kris agrees. “So, we had to find a way to keep it For Kris, Detachment is an exaggerated version of contemporary I gave her a message just asking how she was getting on.
going (the creative industry) ourselves, and it didn't stop for us, He pauses, his thoughts turning to COVID-19 and the struggle
society with a message that should inspire us all in our present Obviously in America it was worse than over here. She lives in we are all facing.
we kept it going.” situation. New Mexico and she was... telling me about the quarantine
The result was Detachment, a series of films Kris wrote, acted in rules and how nobody is following them. Then I was like, how “You have to see how hard hit it has been with the [movie]
“It is about how people adapt to what they have to go through industry just now,” he muses. “I've got a job at KFC and
(he plays Mick) and directed – remotely – during lockdown. – separation,” he explains. “It is a social commentary... based about the creative industry? She was telling me about how all
her gigs and everything had all stopped. I mentioned what we basically that is what I do to keep me financially stable now
The challenge for the Tarboloton-based, former University of around the importance of teamwork and communication. We the film work is done. I like both acting and being behind the
believe it gives a message of hope over fear, something society were doing... if she wasn't doing anything, if you are up for it,
the West of Scotland creative was to produce the movies while camera so I would like to be doing both within the next five
now needs more than ever.” just give me a shout and you can get on board. She gave me a
isolated in his home. years.”
message and I managed to get her in two episodes.”
24 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE | 25Kris Scott
What’s the difference
between a
beautiful sunset and a
Tunnock’s Tea Cake?
The genius of Kris Scott's creation is how closely it chimes with
the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the impact of coronavirus
has forced Kris and his cast and crew to develop, design and
produce their work remotely. In this case, art mirrors (as
opposed to imitating) real life. Maybe, in a strange way, that has
At only 106 calories
you don’t need to wait 24 hours
added to the atmosphere and overall ambience, and creative
drive of the work.
And series 2?
Now the face has disappeared from the window... they are out
there in the world again... surviving... all of them... on their own
personal journeys... which is... strangely... just like the rest of us.
to enjoy another.
The idea and conception of Detachment has 2020 written all
over it.
So, we had to find a way to keep
it going (the creative industry)
ourselves, and it didn't stop for us,
we kept it going.
Photograph (untouched) by Tunnock’s fan Mrs Shirley Fraser www.tunnock.co.uk
26 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIREHannah MacMillan Hannah MacMillan
AM EXCLUSIVE
THE FUTURE IS
HANNAH
MAUCHLINE ACTOR/WRITER/DIRECTOR
HANNAH MACMILLAN SPEAKS TO AM
Sergio Burns
Chance? Maybe. Luck? Perhaps. BBC 'The Social' is an award-winning digital team that seeks to
develop new creative talent from across Scotland.
Just ask the universe...? No. Time weighed heavily on Hannah (I can visualise her sighing at
Our lives are ruled by events and how we react to them. Yes, the camera).
agreed, a lot depends on our own actions. But we are also “I messaged my producer,” she explained. “Said: 'Look I am
potentially and inextricably linked to the actions of every other so bored please give me something to do, even if it is just
person on the planet. COVID-19, the name on everybody's lips, paperwork because I am losing my mind here.' She was like:
is a good example. Circumstances beyond our control? If you 'Why don't you make a video, because we don't really have a lot
catch my drift. of female video content?’ I had never made a video before, I had
“Well,” Mauchline actor/writer/director Hannah MacMillan is no idea what I was doing.
laughing, “it is a kind of strange story.” “I got out my DSLR camera and no microphones, just standard
She laughs again as she tries to explain how she went from lighting kit, and I made my 'bartending' video. It was the first
photographer to actor/writer with the BBC. video I ever made. It got, I think, about one million hits in two
days. I think it is sitting at nine point something million at the
I remain curious. I wait at the other end of the phone line. moment, and that is four years old I think now. That's what
“So,” she starts up again, “I started with them (BBC) doing kicked it all off and that's how I landed myself in TV and Film.”
photography when I was about, oh goodness 18 or 19-years-old Hannah laughed again, a nervous laugh but with warmth. A
I think.” sequence of unplanned events, initially painful, resulted in a
She pauses. I suffer the silence and listen, imagine Hannah positive outcome. The young actor/writer/director who – by
staring right and up to where the wall meets the ceiling in her accident – found herself in the BBC building, auditioning,
living room, probably thinking; 'How did that spider get there? writing scripts, taking part in sketches in comedy shows.
Look at the size of it'. She is, she tells me, 24 now, though she still looks like a
“I went to the Isle of Mull and I broke my foot,” she said teenager, switches gender easily and has a penchant for playing
simply. “By accident.” male roles.
Apparently, Hannah's injury was the result of stomping just a Her take on dads and what they say is funny because it is so
little too enthusiastically at a Ceilidh held on the island. uncannily accurate. The father, for example, trying to answer
his smartphone without directly asking anyone for help is
“Yeah,” she added thoughtfully. “So, I had to cancel all the
hilarious.
shoots I had planned with The Social. I was wearing a moon
boot for about six weeks.”
28 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE | 29Hannah MacMillan
S AVE
'John's ringing me', Dad says, staring down at the phone “Over lockdown,” she revealed, “I made a short film completely
clueless as to how to answer it. 'Hello? Hello John?' he says
while the phone keeps ringing and the 'father' tries to work out
how to answer the incoming call while still calling out 'John?' as
by myself. I am in the process of writing a TV show... and also
another short film which is more drama than comedy. Just
throwing myself at every single angle now. Which is quite funny
£1,000
if his friend can hear him. considering I started off as a photographer, and now finding AVA I L A B L E F O R
myself directing film and TV and music videos.”
The bartending sketch was simply subtle, observational I M M E D I AT E
humour; her walk-through of the various 'types' of customers I was intrigued. She has certainly come a long way since a DELIVERY
those serving at the bar are confronted with, no doubt, on a broken metatarsal resulting from her over exuberance at a SPECIAL EDITION
regular basis. Ceilidh. So, you are writing a TV show? Sitcom?
“I did get quite a lot of views quite rapidly considering I didn't “Hopefully yeah,” she agreed. “I like female led comedy. The
have any real experience – which they loved,” Hannah recalled.
“Through that I got an audition for Scot Squad. I went up
idea that I have is in development... at the moment. It is just
me writing it and trying to get it correct. But I have got loads of STRESSLESS® ADMIRAL
to the Comedy Unit and I met Rab Christie, who is one of notes from people that I really respect in the industry. So, I am
the main writers for Scot Squad. I pitched him a character
through the audition, because the majority of Scot Squad is
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minutes.” her own actions, her own talent and ability and the decisions of
others... colliding...?
It paid off, though she has not – to date – appeared on Scot
Squad.
“I actually got taken on as a writer instead,” she revealed. “I got
through to the second stages of auditions (for Scot Squad), but
in the long run I got taken on as a writer which introduced me
to a few more people.”
It was great experience for the Ayrshire girl, and she was soon
appearing on screen in a new BBC sketch show where she also
found herself being credited as one of the writers.
“They asked me to be part of State of It because I just
continued with my character work for The Social,” she
explained. “I said yes and we all wrote our characters together
and it was a really, really fun, really good experience.
“It was a whirlwind that's for sure coming into it. I was
absolutely terrified because I had no experience whatsoever
within the industry. I have never studied it... I just write
what I want to write and see how it goes. I don't know script
structure, I don't know anything like that, but they were nothing
but supportive. So... we just wrote character paragraphs,
descriptions and then added little lines – it wasn't like a fully
scripted thing. Then when we were on set, there were points
where Robert Florence, he was directing it, he would just turn
round to me and be like: 'Go improvise. Just say what you want
to say.' They made me feel so comfortable, it was fantastic.”
I ask about a music video I saw her appear in for Brownbear's
single Truth Without Consequence.
“I am working with Matthew Hickman (singer-songwriter in
Brownbear),” she says sounding excited. “Yeah, uh-huh, that
was the first video we made together and then I directed What
Is Home and his future single, I will be directing as well.”
Lockdown hasn't phased Hannah.
“Yeah the next single... I am directing it,” she tells me. “We
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Photo Credits –Jennifer Gibson
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hopefully in the next couple of months we can get this filmed.”
And? Oh yes.
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30 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIREAaron Mullins Aaron Mullins
Lockdown has also given Aaron time to work on his first novel. “So, both myself and my wife work in the charity sector now,”
“I am actually writing a new book,” he revealed. “It is already he revealed. “She actually...did a 700 mile round trip for a job
at 30,000 words, because of lockdown chaining me to my desk. interview just so she could work in Ayr at a charity, and on the
It starts in Edinburgh and it actually ends in Ayrshire. It is drive back she got a phone call to say she had got the job.”
probably going to end in Troon with people trying to get to the Aaron pauses. Things, as they often do, seem to have fallen
Isle of Arran.” nicely into place. The family found themselves in Ayrshire with
He hasn't quite made up his mind about the ending, so, jobs, though not expecting Covid-19. Nevertheless, things
happily, no spoiler alert necessary. seemed to be unfolding to their advantage.
Aaron Mullins chats openly. Offering little insights into who “I feel like in a way as well, I have told the story of the
he is and the work he is planning and has underway. Now, a Highlands,” he continues. “Going forward I am living in
psychologist by trade - I can't help but imagine he carries a Ayrshire, I love it, I am going to tell the stories and base it on
big 'MIND' spanner around with him - it comes as no surprise the people, places and sort of experiences of Ayrshire. What I
when he describes his latest work as a psychological thriller. am living, experiencing, feeling. Write what you know, they say,
and this is what I know now, and this is what I chose. This is the
From a childhood and upbringing in Caithness, perched way my family chose to be. This is where I chose to be.”
precariously in the far north-eastern corner of Scotland, he left
school at the first opportunity and has spent his working life, By now Aaron will have returned to walking on the Ayrshire
until now, travelling. beaches with the novel unfolding inside his head – those sprites
in his ear. The plot, unravelling as he thinks and writes. Will
“I actually left (school and Caithness) when I was 16 in 1999 there be people arriving in Troon and trying to escape to Arran?
and I joined the RAF,” he revealed. “I joined as a weapons I suppose we will just have to wait to find out.
technician. I mean it takes over your life in a way, the discipline
you get and the adventures you get. I did a total of eight
months in Northern Ireland and I got the general service
medal for doing that. I did Arctic training 100 miles inside
the Arctic circle at Bardufoss at the top of Norway. I went to
Belgium and I worked with all the NATO air forces.”
Recently, however, he has returned to Scotland and now seems
settled on the west coast.
“We chose Ayrshire because we had been here a couple of
times,” Aaron explained of his return north. “I currently work
for a national charity and I said to them: 'Look I want to go
back to Scotland' (he was living in England at the time). They
said: 'Well there is an opportunity in Prestwick and I said: 'Give
it to me'. That was it, we literally uprooted our entire lives and
just moved!”
FICTION WRITER
It was while serving in the armed forces that Aaron decided to
revisit education.
ON THE BEACH
“I was doing a course at the same time (as being in the RAF),”
he said. Introduction to social sciences and I did really well.
I graduated top of my year, first class honours degree. Then
I won a studentship to study for a PhD. So, I then went to
Coventry University and got my doctorate.”
He makes it all sound so easy. But having exhausted himself
AM SPEAKS TO DR AARON MULLINS with academic non-fiction writing Aaron wanted to realise his
dream and has turned to one of his passions, writing fiction.
Sergio Burns “While I was at university in the first year,” he explained, “you
had to take elective modules. So, I could have took something
sensible that went along with my degree, but there was a
They arrive like sprites. Whispering in his ear, In May this year, it paid off, when Troon-based writer Aaron's
creative writing one. I was, like, I am doing that, and it sort
buzzing around in his mind, walking around his book of short stories, Mysteries and Misadventure: Tales From
of honed my skills a bit in getting the confidence to carry on
The Highlands, was listed on Amazon's top 100 chart for crime,
consciousness, forcing their way into his thoughts. writing. That is how I ended up here today.
thriller and mystery short stories. He was in good company,
The shadows at the edge, the inspiration for his next featuring alongside household names like Stephen King and “I did start my own publishing company called Birdtree Books
writing project... Dean Koontz. and that was in the newspapers. We partnered with a world
reader charity and got books into kids in Africa, and then I
Good news for a man who finds inspiration for his fiction from
“I always, always...,” Dr Aaron Mullins emphasises the point, was sponsoring English lessons in a school in India. We had
long walks in Ayrshire.
“...have a notebook and pen with me.” just had my daughter and I was like: 'I am never home in the
“A lot of my ideas actually come to me while I have been evenings and working 80 hours a week'.”
He means, of course, to capture the idea, to bottle the walking,” he told AM. “A lot along Barassie beach, Troon
troublesome little sliver of thought, to impale it on the white The couple made a choice to do what they both felt would
beach [and] Prestwick beach. I spent a lot of time on the
in blue ink for later reference, and before it escapes into the make them happy.
beaches before lockdown.”
ether...
32 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE | 33Brownbear Brownbear
“The first one was called Truth or Dare,” he explained. “It They built on it, they learned from it, they moved on from
was actually Cheryl Scott from KA Radio [who] played it. We it, but Matthew always had the feeling that it would have
played it in Su Casa in Ayr she heard it there and...said: 'Could been better for the band had it happened a bit later into their
you send me that song?' 'I don't think we recorded it, but we journey.
can make a demo.' She loved it so much she played it four times Open, erudite and talkative we spend time talking about his
on her show.” career with the band and his feelings about trending and
He broke off laughing again. significant issues like Black Lives Matter.
“People were talking about that song that just got played four “One of the first ever experiences I had with race,” Matthew
times and we were boasting about it,” he started up again. “A recalled, “I was about eight and a boy punched me in the face
guy called David O'Hagen who was a scout for Mercury... and called me a 'n****r'. I wasn't even offended by that because
America at the time but...lived in Gourock, he heard it and put I didn't know what it meant. I had to go home and ask my
Photo Credits –Murray McMillan
us on at the Cafe Continental in Gourock. He had a link to the mum. She was hoping that I wouldn't have to experience the
BBC...and that is how we ended up on Radio One. It was all things that she went through.”
kind of random.” He paused reflecting on this early introduction to prejudice.
The experience, however, proved bittersweet. “When I grew up in Largs,” he continued, “on one hand, you
It was a slice of luck that maybe arrived a bit too prematurely, a could count the people of colour. It is tough and as much as
step that was, perhaps, a bit too big for them at that time. you are happy and proud of where you come from, you are a
“A total fluke thing propelled into do shows and do supports,” bit alienated, you don't feel like you belong. Especially when
he continued. “The kind of sad part was...although we had all you go out of the comfort of Largs. If you go somewhere else in
these opportunities, we were totally unprepared for them. We Ayrshire...where people don't know you...you start to feel you
didn't have any follow up material, we didn't have any plans. We don't really belong.”
had to play a lot of catch up in the end to get that first record He also tells of being in a pub and people discussing Brexit.
BROWNBEAR – THE BAND, THE
done.” “They were saying: 'Well you know at least it will stop the
It proved, Brownbear had something, a sound which was 'darkies' coming in'.” he mimicked the pub conversation. “But
MAN, THE TIMES
capable of grabbing people's attention, but Radio One had just they said I was one of the alright ones as if that made it better.
come a bit too early in their musical journey.
AM SPEAKS TO MATTHEW HICKMAN
Photo Credits –Laura Schantz
Sergio Burns
On the video the lift doors open. Young man steps Matthew's taste in music is obviously wide and far reaching
in. Girl arrives. Acoustic music starts. Then stops as and has heavily influenced his work as a songwriter and band
member.
the doors close.
“I was right into playing all the bands that were supposed to
Pause. be cool,” he revealed. “But on the side, I just always had this
love of soul, Motown and I think that love of so many different
Lift doors open, drum intro and we sweep into a great little genres kept me more of a songwriter. That adds to our sound
rock song called Truth Without Consequence by Brownbear – I because we have such a lot of music we love - it is not just one
could hear it being played as the backdrop to a television genre.”
advert. Each time the lift door closes, it then reopens onto the
couple dancing in the lift and a new scene - hey where did that More of an eclectic vibe going on there?
table come from? Or, the white sheet? “Yeah, yeah,” he agrees. “Definitely eclectic.”
“I was a massive fan, when I was younger, of Michael Jackson,” Playing in bands proved organic for Matthew. Some worked,
Brownbear band member Matthew Hickman told me of some didn't, but he toured, met other musicians, kept on
his early interest in music. “That was in the 90s...I was just growing as a performer and writer.
fascinated by the dancing and the music and the absolute
“Myself and the drummer Sam said: 'Let us keep this going
fandom.”
as our own thing',” he explained. “We got into the studio and
I am speaking by phone to the mixed-race, Largs-based made a couple of tracks and we just put it out - see how it goes.
musician. The first single we did just really took off. In those early days
“Everyone was so obsessed with him. That really got me into when we put out demos... they were being picked up by radio
music. and one of our first plays ended up being on Radio One which
was crazy.”
“As I got older I used to read the back of CDs and vinyls
to see who had worked on it. Even from a young age I was He half-laughed, still finding it difficult to believe it had
obsessed on how it was made and that is how I found out about happened.
Quincy Jones and...Ray Charles and... Stevie Wonder and then
Motown.”
34 | QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE QUALITY & STYLE IN AYRSHIRE | 35You can also read
