Impulse Magazine 2015

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EDITORS LETTER

For Impulse Magazines 2015 issue, we wanted to

ocus on everything Edinburgh. Its a city that is

ull o creativity and culture, but most ofen over-

looked during the absence o the annual Edinburgh

international estival, AKA the other 11 months o

the year. We wanted to celebrate the wonderul artists,

comedians, musicians, poets, writers et al who live and

work in this glorious city, providing you with exclusive

interviews and content in one neat A5-sized package.

Our cover star, Groundskeeper Fanny is at the

oreront o creating a drag scene here in Edinburgh.Along with Alice Rabbit, the pair are determined to

establish a community where the art o drag can flour-

ish within the capital. With Fanny having debuted in

Edinburghs first monthly drag night in March, it is

hoped that this new residence will act as a hub or the

citys queens and those who worship them.

We chat music, bringing you some o the up and

coming bands, artists and DJs who can be ound

playing relentlessly throughout the city. We also show-case some o the minds who are creating unconven-

tional perormance spaces or these artists, with DIY

music and art estivals created off the back o various

venue closures.

Ten there are the books. We explore why so many

authors have chosen or been inspired by Edinburgh

as settings or their novels, looking at how the streets

and landscape have helped to write their stories.

I ashion is more your thing, weve got an exclu-sive shoot with designers Lizzie O, Nicci. N, and C.

Watson whose latest designs come together to create

a 70s inspired spread.

Weve even worked with some artists and illustra-

tors studying at the various universities here, so keep

a look out or our specially commissioned Impulse

illustrations throughout this issue.

I may be biased, but this issue o Impulse is looking

to be the best one yet.

Lauren Stephen, Editor-in-Chie

Lauren Stephen

Finlay Matheson,

Jamie Hall

Alice Cruickshank,Amanda Manno

Cassie Burke

Laura Palmer

Alex Godlewski

Deane Walsh

Katie Campbell

Meghan McCormack,

Marisa esoro

Nicola Park

Larissa Just

Rosie Smith

Deane Laouadi,

Emma Williamson

Editor-in-Chie:

Deputy Editors:

Features Editors:

Design Editor:

Photo Editor:

Online Editor:

Video Editor:

Chie Sub Editor:

Sub Editors:

Distribution Manager:

Production Editor:

Ad Sales Manager:

Ad Sales Executives:

Advertising eam:

Rebekah Heath, Lauren McKinney, Kirsten McStay,

Aline Siekierski, & Cameron Willis

Design eam:

Rebecca Barrett, Joe Burns, Jane Campbell,

& Sarah Devine

Staff Writers:Corri Allan, Robyn Baillie, Stephanie Gray, Jamie

Harkin, Drew Haughey, Daniel Hodgson, Ross Kelly,

Danielle Kinahan, Declan Kinsella, Matt Lawless,

Emma Logan, Max Meres, James Molloy, Lauren

Ritchie, & Scott Tomson

Photography:

Nicole Bell, Ollie Buchanan, Angus Duncan, Danielle

Kinahan, & Chris Scott

Illustrations:Peony Gent, Lois Glen, Patrick Hughes,

Nicola Laurie, Kirsty Struthers,

& Andrea Popyordanova

Special Tanks o:

Derek Command-D-or-Derek Allan,

Neil Braidwood, Kate Smith, Iain MacKay,

& J.Tomson Colour Printers

IMPULSE magazine is produced by BA

Journalism students rom the School o Arts

& Creative Industries, Edinburgh Napier

University. Te views and opinions within this

publication are not necessarily those o Edinburgh

Napier University.

IMPULSE TEAM 2015


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Windy City Wanderer

Paint The Town

Homegrown Talent

Scotland On The Silver Screen

A Cut Above

One More Tune

The Rising TideSpoken Word

6

8

12

16

20

22

2628

CONTENTS


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IMPULSE | 2015 5

Illustration

s:LoisGlen

Altern Essence

Capital Collection

Drag Me To Edinburgh

Comedy

Books

Humans of Edinburgh

Not In The Guide BooksDown Memory Lane

30

34

40

48

52

56

6062

IMPULSE | CONTENTS


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WINDY CITY WANDERERFrom Chicago to Edinburgh, and every Ceilidh she goes to,AMANDA MANNOis exploring Edinburgh with fresh eyes.

I was 8am, and my plane

had just landed. My trimester

in Edinburgh started in the

middle o January, and despite

the chill nipping at my cheeks,

it was a pleasant surprise rom

the sleet storm I had just escaped

in Chicago.I walked out on to the street,

and instead o the small, bright,

yellow cars that surrounded the

airport in Chicago I was greeted

with rows o unamiliar, less

colourul taxis.

I tried to look beyond, expect-

ing to see the hills and castles

that I had seen on Pinterest, but

the streetlights only managed

to illuminate the rain-soaked

pavement at my eet. Luckily the

promise o daylight showed on

the horizon, i only or a mere

seven hours.

Feelings o unamiliarity anduncertainty overcame me, and I

started to wonder why I decided

to come 3,000 miles away rom

home.

While this eeling o una-

miliarity never completely

diminished, the uncertainty o

this strange place did. I was over-

whelmed by the rolling green

hills that replaced dead leafless

trees and brown grass back in

Chicago. Ancient architecture

and a lower skyline replaced tall

skyscrapers in the adolescent 178

year-old city that I lef.

Walking the streets o Edin-burgh, I became constantly

immersed in the blend o

modern and ancient culture.

Te bold castle that watched

over me on Princes Street put


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H&M and Urban Outfitters in

its shadow. Looking at this castle

rom almost any part o the city

made me think o how many

people centuries beore stood

and admired or protected that

very same castle. It made me eel

quite small and humble.

While all o these eelings

were new, they are expected

anytime you travel to a di-

erent place. I expected to be

consumed with this aesthetic

beauty. I expected to be awedinto silence when I stood in ront

o the castle or the first time on

a snowy night.

But I didnt expect that it would

be the people o Edinburgh that

would truly give me a lasting

impression on this city.

I went to my first ceilidh on

Burns Night and was dragged

into a roomul o stumbling,

laughing strangers. We stood

in two lines acing one another

and attempted to listen to the

instructor over the loud music.

Our moves didnt quite match

the actual dance, but the pulse

in the room kept constant rom

our stomping eet and clapping

hands.

Te bagpipes and kilts werent

the only things that made this a

novel, unique experience. It was

a different taste o un. People

who had just met at the begin-

ning o the night were brought

together through a tradition that

had been in practice or over a

hundred years. It was genuine,

and it was rereshing.

Afer that night, I got theimpression that people werent

araid to be their raw selves. I

saw originality and creativity

valued more than conormity. I

was drawn to these traits in the

intricate architecture and in the

people, traits that are rooted in

a rich and ancient culture.

Illustration: Nicola Laurie


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PAINT

Local artists transform

bland walls into worksof art, reinventing

Edinburghs landscape.DANIELLE KINAHAN

found out more aboutthe scene.

TOWNTHE

Photos: Danielle Kinahan


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IMPULSE | STREET ART


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Pieute acts asa temporary

home for some

of Edinburghsmost renowned

graffitiartists.


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IMPULSE | STREET ART

SUNDAY afernoon finds me breathing in the

umes o 20 spray-paint cans. Te pop-up

clothing store Pieute is undergoing a makeo-

ver and a unique one at that. Housed under the

stores roo, a graffiti jam is underway, and most o

Edinburghs graffiti community have shown up to

talk, drink and turn the place into an artists mecca.

Te store will soon undergo a complete renova-

tion so the walls o the shop are open season. Paint-

ers arrive and section off a piece o the wall or theirwork, all the while glancing down at sketches to

make sure they have enough room or boldly start-

ing their piece reehand. In the corner sits a Lady

and the ramp bag innocuously filled to the brim

with spray paint. Respirators make

an appearance, but a ew painters,

and me, have opted out o wearing

masks. All the more un.

Within the span o an afer-noon, the shop has morphed

rom a bland, beige-walled morgue

into a mosaic o colour and shape.

Characters and tags are embla-

zoned on the walls. Ranging in

size and style, or lack thereo

one painter quips, the work takes undeniable skill.

But the painter Vidal tells me hes not keen on the

term street art because it implies an audience.Its something I do or mysel, he says, looking

up at the tag he has spent the afernoon perecting.

Te tag names are born organically as a selec-

tion o the letters that the painter can do best,

Ches and Usoh explain. Still in high school, the

two had their interest sparked in graffiti through

skateboard culture.

It takes a lot o time, and even more patience, to

nail down a tag. Te work shows. In the course oa ew hours, the initial maze o incomprehensible

sketch lines has transormed into the two boys tagnames, blown up in technicolor and popping off

the wall. What is on display is dedication.

Graffiti, or all its subculture status, is not a cheap

hobby to undertake. Consider this: an average can

o spray paint costs around 6 and painters nor-

mally go through hal a dozen cans in one sitting.

It takes years to hone the skill to execute a decent

piece o graffiti, so the process can be pricey. For

most, its worth the catharsis o creative energy.But theres another drawback: or all its love o

culture, Edinburgh is a hostile place or painters.

Harsh fines and jail terms are common responses

to anyone caught painting where they shouldnt

be, and more moderate sentencing

doesnt seem to be on the horizon.

But or most the illegality adds to

the appeal and respect that comes

with the community. Its unny,another painter, Hobo, says, but I

rather like the act that its illegal.

As a woman, Sencha is the mi-

nority in the community but like

Ches and Osoh, her interest in

painting stems rom skateboard-

ing. But once she started, it maniested into some-

thing more. She began to use graffiti as a platorm

or eminism by creating emale iconography, whichcomortably can be coined art. Like most others

in the community, she attests to the act that theres

a thrill that comes with street art. It has the po-

tential to hit you while youre out on the street.

Its unexpected, which is something that no art

gallery can imitate.

Edinburgh is a beautiul city awash with historic

sites and imposing castles. Rain-washed and grey,

graffiti adds a punch o colour to the city and aspace to say whatever it is you want.

Its funny,another

painter, Hobo,says, but Irather like

the fact thatits illegal


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HOMEGROWN

TALENTIllustration:Andrea PopyordanovaPhotos: Chris Scott


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Grassroots events have

been growing in popu-larity or a number o

years now, with more independ-

ent estivals and events popping

up in and around the city. Events

like the Hidden Door estival and

radest Edinburgh grow more

popular every year. One o these

events is the much loved Leith

Late Festival.Leith Late is a two day event

that celebrates art and music

while highlighting new venues

and art spaces in the local com-

munity. Creator and organiser oLeith Late, Morvern Cunning-

ham believes that the economy

plays a large part in the events

popularity, I think the grass-

roots scene thrives in times o

difficulty. So I think in terms othe recession thats almost been

quite good because its been kind

o encouraging people to get off

their arses and do it themselves.

he growing attraction

o these events could also be

attributed to the kind o acts they

eature. Rather than attempt-

ing to reach out to more wellknown acts, the estival acts as

a showcase or rising local talent.

According to Cunningham,

Its made by people who live in

IMPULSE | MUSIC

Its a case ofgetting spacesthat have a

commitment toartistic value

already, whetherthey be gig orgallery spaces

Simply add some local talent and the DIY festival scene will flourish.JAMIE HARKINinvestigates.

King Creosote

entertains crowds at aphotography event at

LeithLate 14.


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Leith, care about Leith and want

to show Leith at its best capacity.

Another important actor is

the number and variety o acts

that they reach out to. Leith Late

is becoming known or its widerange o acts: Te particular

ormat o Leith Late to date has

been this idea o having almost

too many things going on, to the

point where you cant get round

everything. So theres that kind

o excitement and buzz.

It isnt just the quantity o

acts that keep people coming

back to Leith Late the qualityis also very high. Tey employ

a rigorous selection process or

both the venue and the artist,

Cunningham said they attempt

to capture the spirit o up and

coming creative Leith.

In terms o venues they also

have a lot o editorial decisions

to make, Its a case o getting

spaces that have a commitmentto artistic value already, whether

they be gig or gallery spaces.

Tats what we look or. We dont

want to just dress something up

Its not allabout music.Slam champion,Texture, performsat the BrassMonkey.


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Its important totake people awayfrom the norm andto inspire people

who maybe walk downthe same street theyhave all their lifeto look at it in a

different way

to be something its not; we wantto show whats there already.

he estival may have to

change tactics on what venues

to involve, as Cunningham was

concerned that Leith Late was

originally was a showcase o grass

roots art spaces. Unortunately

those art spaces no longer exist

anymore, theyve transormedinto something kind o a little

bit more established.

Te main intention is to have

more o a lasting impact on those

who attend. Its important totake people away rom the norm

and to inspire people who maybe

walk down the same street they

have all their lie to look at it in

a different way.

Tere is however a major

issue in terms o unding. Leith

Late has not yet received unding

rom any official source, leavingthem to und the majority o it

themselves through an ater

party. Arranging it takes blood

sweat and tears and they have

to consider careully how tofinance and plan the event. As

Cunningham says, I think its

all about being creative with the

ways you pull it off.

So i youre looking or a

good night, why not go along

and support the event this year. It

will not only give you the chance

to see a showcase o great up andcoming local artists and acts,

but it will help the estival grow.

Afer all, Its better than just

going to the pub and moaning.

IMPULSE | MUSIC

Revellers canenjoy a huge

variety of artsand culture

events aroundLeith during the

festival.


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SCOTLAND ON THE SILVER SCREENROBYN BAILLIEspoke to up-and-coming director John McPhail about his debutmovie, Where Do We Go From Here?

THREE years since his directorial debut, John

McPhail is ar rom losing his passion orfilm-making. Having just wrapped up his first

eature film Where Do We Go From Here?, theres

hope o screening at the Edinburgh International

Film Festival in June. When my riends ound

out Id made a romcom, they laughed at me, said

McPhail. Im not a romcom an at all. My avourite

films are like Arnold Schwarzenegger films Preda-

tor and otal Recall, but Im a big comedy an.

I love making people laugh on a day to daybasis. I I can make someone smile then thats

amazing and the inspiration or romantic comedies

came rom that.

Since he began directing, McPhail, along with

his production company, Worrying Drake, has

received a huge amount o recognition, with hisfilms being shown in 106 cities around the world.

He has also picked up several awards, including

best director afer a screening at the ribeca Film

Festival in New York, and two audience choice

When Im watching thescene unfold from the

monitor and my cast arebringing the charactersto life, nothing could

be more awesome


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IMPULSE | PEOPLE

awards rom the Virgin Media Shorts.Now with his first eature length film in the bag,

McPhail has nothing but ond memories o filming

Where Do We Go From Here? [It was] the single

best experience o my lie. I didnt eat or sleep or

two and a bit weeks he joked, but I wouldnt have

changed it or the world.

With an energy that seems inexhaustible,

McPhail describes what it was like working on a

project that was entirely his own creation: Beingon set was just amazing I loved the pressure,

the hustle and bustle o it all, he said. When Im

watching the scene unold rom the monitor and

my cast are bringing the characters to lie, nothing

could be more awesome.

Where Do We Go From Here? is centred on

the character o James as he tries to cope with the

death o his grandather. Living and working in a

care home, he realises that the only sensible thingto do is organise a breakout with the care home

residents to scatter his grandathers ashes.

Te movie also eatures McPhails regular col-

laborator, actor yler Collins. yler has been the

lead in all my shorts; he was just so much un towork with and we work so well together, McPhail

explains. When Im writing, Ill call him up and

just bounce ideas. I think having someone like that

in my lie is invaluable.

As he rapidly gains a name or himsel in

comedy, what was behind the decision to avoid

themes o drugs and violence so beloved o Scot-

tish film directors?

Dont get me wrong, I do love Scottish films. Ithink there are some great Scottish films out there,

and to be able to tackle big subjects like drugs and

anger is so important, but I want to tell my stories

to everyone. I dont want to just appeal to a Scot-

tish audience.

I try to stay away rom the stereotypical Scot-

tish film and just go out and make nice films,

McPhail said.

With the film wrapped, theres talk o estivalstrategies and distribution plans. McPhail has

already started writing his next eature, remov-

ing the need to ask the question: where do we go

rom here?

Photos: Laura Palmer


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IMPULSE | 2015 19


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THE capital has seen an upsurge in the tradi-

tional barbershop with men more eager to

take care o themselves than ever beore. Te

modern man has ditched the unisex salon and has

rediscovered the male sanctuary o the barbers,

which are re-emerging as a staple o Edinburghs

streets once again.Men are being men again, and they are be-

coming dapper gentlemen, is the verdict o hair

aficionado Murray McRae a man at the centre

o the male grooming renaissance.

Facial hair has made a comeback with debonair

gents eager to ollow in suit o UK models Chris

Millington and Ricki Hall the guys who brought

back the beard. Its the current trend that has bar-

bershops booming again.ucked away in Lady Lawson Street in Edin-

burghs Old own is Stag Barber Co, a modern

barbers with traditional charm, which was opened

by McRae last year afer cutting his teeth at estab-

lished high street hair salon Charlie Miller.

Stag has a strong masculine eel about it, with

the logo o the brand particularly eye-catching a

stags head dressed as a dapper gentleman with a

suit jacket and bow tie which was designed byMcRaes cousin, Eleanor Stewart. It provides a

unique, but classic look.

Te interior o the shop is in keeping with the

brand: I wanted it to look like it was something

that just didnt look like a barbershop and I wanted

it to be inviting or every kind o man, said McRae.

I wanted it to be somewhere that was warm and

comortable and somewhere where I would want

to get my hair cut. With the antlers that Ive got

on the wall, it is in keeping the theme o the name

o the shop. It seems to work as it is not overkill.Te current beard and barber trend has always

been there, according to McRae, but its just the

growth o a more liberal culture that has led more

men to be willing to take greater pride in their

appearance.

Tere are a lot o models who took it upon

themselves to grow a beard and its sort o accepted

o being a classic style rather being something which

is scruffy and overgrown, he said.We now live in a culture where its more ex-

pressive. Youre not just a man i you are working

with your head underneath a bonnet o a car or i

you are a soldier or whatever. You can do whatever

you want and express yoursel how you want to.

Once neglected or the salon, the barbershop

is here to stay. It should hopeully last or a long

time, said McRae.

Its not something that is going to go away, menare always going to have hair on their head and as

long as it continues to do that and everyone keeps

the passion or it, then they should stay alive. Its

a really good time or us.

A CUT ABOVEWith manscaping back in fashion and beards growing in popularity again, SCOHOMSONtook us to one of Edinburghs best new barbershops to find out more.

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IMPULSE | 2015 21Photo: Laura Palmer


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RED RETRO PILOT

FILIP BLAST

Edinburgh pop/rock quartet Red Retro Pilot have been playing

to crowds across Edinburgh and as ar afield as London since

early 2013. A collective o local music students, they first met

and perormed under the namer Otoban, a creation o tal-

ented Edinburgh songwriter, Lewis Maxwell. With a chance

to catch their gigs in several locations across Scotland, youre

most likely to see them gracing the capital in venues such

as Whistlebinkies or Sneaky Petes with their eccentric andincredibly active on-stage perormances. Te debut single

attoo and their latest EP ransmission 101 are available now

on Spotiy and iunes.

Filip Blast are an Edinburgh-based pop/unk outfit, incor-

porating styles o hip hop, rock and jazz in their sound.

Mostly Scottish with the exception o a South Arican vo-

calist and London-native trumpeter, Filip Blast have re-

leased a bold five-track unk/rock EP since their ormation

in the summer o 2013. wo years on, they have continued to

perorm in Edinburgh and Glasgow, despite rontman Michael

Friederichs current London postcode. Te band have con-

firmed that they will be returning to the studio to record theirsecond EP this spring.

ONE MORE TUNETrough the depths of Edinburghs most infamous haunts, Cassie Burke,Joe Burns,Matt LawlessandMax Meres have compiled a showcase of the capitals finest musicalacts. So lace up those dancing shoes as we present an array of artists across a varietyof venues, from sticky dancefloors to sweaty moshpits.


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IMPULSE | 2015 23

LAW

Leicester-born LAW (real name Lauren Holt) has

been a regular o the Edinburgh music scene since

early 2013. Her initial EP Haters & Gangsters was,

or a while, the only available example o her ex-

perimental style, which combines Holts raw vocals

with gothic hip-hop beats and eerie electronica.LAWs latest release, Cowboys & Hustlers, builds

upon her already growing reputation as a break-

through artist, with powerul tracks such as Peter

and Lilo redefining a new style o modern pop

music. Although LAW can ofen be seen perorm-

ing in the capital, she recently completed a small

tour o South Arica with riends and collaborators,

Young Fathers, the Edinburgh-based winners o last

years Mercury Prize. With her summer tour datesast approaching including a show in Edinburgh

be sure to grab both the EPs or ree download

via LAWs SoundCloud.

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IMPULSE | MUSIC

PASSION PUSHER

Photos: Laura Palmer

Passion Pusher the moniker adopted by vocalist

and guitarist James Gage in 2012 play ambient,

lo-fi rock music influenced by the likes o Dinosaur

Jr among others. Afer releasing almost 200 demos

recorded in Gages bedroom, he later decided to

take on a backing band to urther solidiy theirsound. Passion Pushers demo releases came out

on labels like Benzo Records, which is also one o

Gages side projects, clearly demonstrating the do-

it-yoursel ethic o the group. Teir latest releases

Going Places and Distant Youth EP can be ound on

the bands intimidatingly lengthy Bandcamp page.

Passion Pusher play shows regularly all over Scot-

land, and have played in other cities up and downthe UK. You can check their Facebook page or

inormation about upcoming shows and releases.


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IMPULSE | 2015 25

THEO KOTTIS

Label owner, DJ, and one hal o the legendary 6th

Borough Project, Craig Smith has been at the helm

o Edinburghs house music scene or over 20 years.

Alongside Peter Oakden, Smith runs the label Fify

Fathoms Deep, which released music rom Ugly Drums

and Te Revenge to name a ew. Since making his

debut at Edinburghs most influential club night Te

Hooch in 1987, Smith has played alongside some o

the most well known names in house music such as

Kerri Chandler. His most recent release, Love, Hate

and Everything Inbetween, released on Valentines

Day, proves Smith is still going stronger than ever.

For ans o Paramore and onight Alive,

Painting Rockets are a emale-ronted alt rock

band who released their debut EP Happiness in

Measures in January, with talk o an official launch

perormance this spring. Teir sound ranges rom bluesyatmospheric rock to eisty pop/punk, riding through on

powerul vocals, sincere lyricism and solid production. I

Happiness in Measures stands as testament to

anything, its that Painting Rockets are really about to

take off pun intended.

Teo Kottis is a young Edinburgh based DJ/Producer,

whose recent debut EP, Waiting Game released on

the highly acclaimed Moda Black label received

support rom some o the worlds biggest DJs, in-

cluding Pete ong and Solomon. Waiting Game was

brilliantly received, and charted in the top ten o Beat-

ports Electronica section. Kottis gained a wealth o

experience by playing extensively in Edinburghsunderground scene, as well taking to the stage at world

renowned venues like Fabric and Sub Club. His second

EP, Human Nature, is set or release in March, meaning

this year could be Kottis brightest yet.

CRAIG SMITH

PAINTING ROCKETS


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THE RISING TIDEDid the referendum leave you with a passion forpolitics? Well FINLAY MAHESON has news for you.

Illustration: Kirsty Struthers


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IMPULSE | 2015 27

proportion o SNP members under the age o 30

more than doubled afer the reerendum. Under

30s now make up 21% o the partys ollowing. In

comparison, Scottish Unionist parties have been

quiet on membership figures since the reerendum.

Scottish Labour membership figures jump between

7000 and 14,000, depending on who you believe.

Te media will also play a huge role in keeping

youth engagement as high as it has been in recenttimes. All too ofen middle-aged newsreaders talk

to middle-aged politicians about middle-aged

problems.

Tats why Luna Webster set up Have I Got News

For Youth (HIGNFY) at the beginning o 2015.

HIGNFY is a politics website or

young people, by young people.

She says, I came up with the idea

or the website rom that eelingo exclusion.

Webster agrees the onus is

on the media to include young

people: I think the media has a

huge responsibility to represent

young voices in the run up to the

general election because the choices made by our

governments affect us.

Grassroots politics will play a huge role in theuture o Scottish politics too, according to the

HIGNFY ounder: Tese groups have more politi-

cal sway than politicians because they are actually

relatable to voters and speak to them directly.

What is clear in this General Election year is that

the media, both mainstream and alternative, will be

critical in keeping young people involved in politics.

I successul, we can make Scotland as exciting and

engaging as was in the run up to the reerendum.

LAS years reerendum changed Scottish

politics orever, o that there is no doubt. A

political wave crashed over the country and,

whether your side won or lost, Scotland arguably

became the most politically engaged country in

Western Europe.

Perhaps the most heartening result o the reer-

endum was the level o youth engagement ahead

o the vote. For the first time in Scottish politicalhistory, 16 and 17 year-olds were enranchised.

Scotland saw young people debating in school halls

and arenas, universities, pubs and clubs. In an age

o political apathy, young people genuinely cared

about the outcome o the vote. And it showed.

More than 106,000 under-18s

registered to vote, with 71% o

those who turned out backing

independence, according to apoll published by Lord Ashcrof.

During the campaign groups

like National Collective sprang

up, hosting gig nights and em-

barking on a estival road trip

around Scotland, getting young

people involved in the issues affecting them in

the debate. Even the Usher Hall sold out, with

Franz Ferdinand, Mogwai and Frightened Rabbitlending their support to the campaign. Te BBC,

though hugely criticised or their reerendum cov-

erage, hosted the largest televised debate in Scottish

history, with 12,000 school pupils taking on a panel

o politicians at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.

Te problem now acing Scottish politicians is

how to keep young people engaged ahead o the

tribal mudsling that is General Electioneering. Tis

problem does not seem to exist or the SNP. Te

All too often

middle-agednewsreaderstalk to middle-aged politiciansabout middle-aged

problems

IMPULSE | POLITICS


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SPEAK THE TRUTHMARISA ESORO spoke to Jenny Lindsay from Rally & Broadabout the rude health of Edinburghs spoken word scene.

Photo: Chris Scott


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IMPULSE | 2015 29

When were both of you introduced to poetry in

performance and how did you find yourselves

on the spoken word scene in Edinburgh?

Ive been perorming since 2002. Back then, I was

one o very ew poets under the age o 30 perorm-

ing on the scene. I started out as a singer-songwriterin Glasgow, whose lyrics were always better than my

singing. Afer my flat was robbed and my electric

piano stolen, I started perorming those lyrics at

open mic nights, and someone involved in the scene

saw me and told me I was a poet. It was news to

me, but I havent looked back since. I moved back

to Edinburgh in 2004 and ran Big Word rom 2002

to 2008 and then Is Tis Poetry? in 2010. Rachel

and I met in August 2011 and that was when wehatched a plan to create Rally & Broad a plat-

orm or new writers alongside big name acts. We

launched in October 2012.

How would you define spoken word?

Spoken word is a great term as it encompasses

any literary medium designed or, or suitable or,

a live audience. o us, that encompasses great

poets reading their work well, slam-style poetsperorming, authors and short-story writers who

can entertain an audience.

How would you describe the spoken word scene

in Edinburgh?

In rude health. Tere are a lot o things going on

in Edinburgh rom student nights offering a first-

step to new perormers and writers, to Loud Poets,

where high-energy, rapid-fire delivery, and a ban

on reading, is the order o the day. Neu Reekie

[is] where you can see very established writers

alongside excellent bands and short films. Rally &

Broad prides itsel on showcasing the best o theScottish scene, alongside a New Voices slot and

acts rom outside Scotland.

Do you have any advice for anyone attending

their first spoken word performance?

Be open to something new. Spoken word is like

music people come at it rom lots o different

angles. I you see one bad spoken word perormer,

it shouldnt put you off exploring others!

Do you have any advice for someone hoping to

try spoken word or poetry performance?

Read poetry o all styles. Listen to poetry readings,

slam perormances, live literature, and author read-

ings. Explore different acts online and offline, learn

to recognise what works and what doesnt. Use your

own voice and dont eel the need to ollow someone

elses style or rules. Spoken word shouldnt haveany rules, other than to bear in mind that audience

reaction is a major part o the orm.

What has been one of your favorite memories

from either performing or organizing an event?

Rachel and I absolutely love running Rally & Broad,

and I have never enjoyed running events as much

as I have since meeting Rachel. From the nail-

biting will anyone turn up panics at the beginningo the night, to the cherry bourbon celebrations

when everything turns out right, theres nothing

better than bringing together amazing acts with

an amazing audience.

JENNY Lindsay is one-hal o the dynamicduo that makes up Rally & Broad, a platorm

or new writers and proessional poetic per-

ormers alike to showcase their work. ogether, she

and Rachel McCrum invite audiences to witness

a variety o acts, rom slam-style poets to musical

guests. Both seasoned perormers, Lindsay and

McCrum know a thing or two about the spoken

word, and Lindsay explains that there is definitely

room or that scene to grow in Edinburgh.

IMPULSE |POETRY


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Illustration: Nicola Laurie


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IMPULSE | 2015 31

EDINBURGH: a haunt, a sanctuary, a dwelling

place. o many, Scotlands capital is a home-

stead. Walking through its antiquated streets

you would be orgiven or merely appreciating its

outward beauty.

But unbeknown to passers by, nestled in a stylishmodern flat, is the home o Altern Essence Per-

umery.

Aidan Cave and Fabio Cunha, both 22, are the

architects behind each handcrafed, cruelty ree,

vegan scent.

Creating perume is like a cross between chem-

istry and painting, explains Cave.

Te couple, originally rom Portugal, moved to

Scotland our years ago beore toying with the ideao creating their own perumes.

I didnt really see the beauty o it at first, Cunha

recalls. But when we made the first two scents,

Dead Elephant and Between Mountains, there it

was, it was beautiul.

Edinburgh certainly provides the pair with

a deluge o inspiration. One recent project saw

Altern Essence collaborate with Edinburgh-based

singer LAW to create a scent based on her single

Haters. We met her at a zine launch in Edin-burgh, laughs Cave. Her song was playing and

we just approached her. She was very involved in

the whole process. She gave us her lyrics as well as

their deep meaning and she even picked out some

o the ingredients!

IMPULSE | PERFUME

Meghan McCormack visited the brains behind Altern Essence Perfumeryto chat influences, home and all things Edinburgh.

The dampness of thehops; I would love torecreate that. An

Edinburgh scent wouldbe stunning

EAU DEDINBURGH

Photos: Lauren Stephen

Fabio Cunhacreates one of

Altern Essences

signature scentsin the couplesEdinburgh flat.


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I all in love with the Haters scent over and over

again, Cunha said. It was very difficult to make

because it was such a unique project, but we had

so much un doing it.

It is clear that the pair are passionate about their

chosen art orm. Each scent has a deeper sense o

purpose, with an intent to provoke an emotional

response with its wearer. Could an Edinburgh

inspired scent be in the pipeline?

Definitely, Cunha said. I would love to experi-

ment with the smells o the stone here. Or even,

you know that smell, when you arrive on the plane

in Edinburgh? Te dampness o the hops; I would

love to re-create that. An Edinburgh scent wouldbe stunning.

However it is not just the city that inspires their

ragrance. I am a people watcher, conesses Cave.

It would be cool to create a scent about a random

person, who would never know that they are the

muse.

With such ambition and an already apparent

ollowing o loyal customers, could Altern Essence

be on the brink o expanding?

Te thing about Altern Essence is that we are

not trying to make a business, explains Cunha.

We are just trying to learn more and have un.

However i we ever did open a shop I like to think

that it would be in Edinburgh.

Cave and Cunha are undoubtedly settled in here

in the capital. But what is it about Edinburgh that

keeps the pair here?

Te bus we used to get stopped on Princes

Street, just next to the Scott Monument, said Cave.

In Portugal, everything is very flat; but when our

bus stopped and you looked out o the window, all

you could see was hills and old buildings.

We had such a warm welcome when we arrivedadds Cunha. We made riends straight away.

Originally, the pair only planned to move to

Scotland or six months with the intention o

moving on to Australia.

Our six month plan turned into a year and a

hal admits Cave. Afer that we went to Asia or

five months, and thought we would go back to

Portugal aferwards. When it came to booking our

flights home, we booked tickets back to Edinburgh.Edinburgh is afer all our second home.


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IMPULSE | 2015 33

AIDAN and Fabio kindly

let us loose among theirully stocked cabinet o

oils beore leaving us to experi-

ment with what worked. Or in

my case, what didnt work. I dont

think Ill be giving Jo Malone a

run or her money anytime soon.

Afer smelling each tiny bottle

I was lef in a bit o a haze. I like

gin, so did I like juniper berries?Or was that the one that smelled

like head lice treatment?

Playing it sae, I grabbed some

amiliar looking scents to con-tribute to our concoction. Rose,

cedar wood I had a eeling I

wasnt quite as good at pairing

as Lauren.

Oils chosen, it was time or

science. Each bottle had to be

tipped to allow precise droplets

to all into the beaker. his

required patience, again, notone o my stronger points.

Mix complete, we were both

given a small spray bottle o our

scent. It was strong, and myellow passengers on the train

home did not appreciate it. Note

duly taken.

Despite our valiant attempts,

our scent did not compare to the

beautiul ragrances o Altern

Essence creation.

Perumery is something

perhaps lef to the skills o themasters.

DID YOU KNOW?

HEAD NOTES:Evaporate quickly. Forexample, citrus scents.

HEART NOTES:Makes the main body o theperume. For example, floral

scents.

BASE NOTES:Bring a sense o depth to the

perume. For example, muskyand woody scents.

Illustration: Peony Gent

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY, LAUREN STEPHEN AND I JOINED THE TEAM ATALTERN ESSENCE PERFUMERY AND MADE OUR VERY OWN SCENT...

Perume is made up o three levels. Each level o scent is grouped

together according to how much time afer application they can be smelled.

IMPULSE | PERFUME


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Sittings Editor: Robyn BaillieAssistant: Alice CruickshankPhotographer: Natalie BaxterMake-Up: Samantha RachelModel: Rebecca Baillie


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IMPULSE | 2015 35

CAPITAL COLLECTIONEdinburgh designers captivate with striking printed fabrics and

contemporary imaginings of vintage styles. Words:ALICE CRUICKSHANK


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IMPULSE | 2015 37

LIZZIE OLuxurious orientalfabrics and a touchof retro Hollywoodglamour combine toshape this collection.With each piecelovingly handcraftedfrom vintage kimonofabric, every item by

Lizzie O has a uniqueheritage and a storyto be told. DesignerJulie professes to alife-long fascinationwith Japan, and theornate beauty ofgeishas serves ascontinuing inspirationto her designs.


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NICCI. N.

Specialised printingtechniques are centralto Nicci. N.scollections, which arecreated to give womenan alternative to HighStreet shopping. Thedesigner spans a wide-range of inspiration,from sweet shops tothe darkness of death,and these contrastingideas and fabricscombine to createstandout pieces.


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IMPULSE | 2015 39

C. WATSON

Designer ChristineWatson puts twofingers up to

the questionableScottish weatherwith her luxurywaterproof designs.Leather-look fabricsand polka dotsare complementedby biker detailsand flowing cuts.Her full-skirtedskater dresses area staple piece andare reimagined indifferent coloursand fabrics foreach collection.


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IMPULSE | 2015 41

ME TODRAG

EDINBURGHShante you stay! DEANELAOUADI spoke to the Edinburghqueens trying to establish theirvery own drag circuit in the city.

Photos: Nicole Bell & Laura Palmer


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DRAG, the ancient craf o emale impersona-

tion, is having a moment right now. ypi-

cally the art orm has always existed in the

margins o our cultural zeitgeist, brazenly holding

up a mirror to society by exaggerating traditional

motis o emininity and mocking the ofen-absurd

expectations placed on women.However, thanks to the huge success o reality

show RuPauls Drag Race, as well as increased ac-

ceptance o different orms o gender expression,

drag is currently enjoying a level o mainstream

exposure not experienced since the nineties, when

pioneering queen RuPaul had the whole world

spinning on the tip o her bejewelled acrylics.

Tis newound cultural appetite is being sated

not only by the seasoned proessionals that have

been donning tits and tights since 68 BC (Beore

Cher) but also by the new generation o ingenueswho have only just been introduced to the glamor-

ous entertainment ormat.

Te UK boasts some o the most eclectic drag

scenes in the world, among which Glasgow is an

IMPULSE | DRAG QUEENS

GroundskeeperFanny ventures

out of herparlour to bask

in the shade

of the BotanicGardens.


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IMPULSE | 2015 43

irreutable standout. Te citys thriving club nights

and competition circuits have allowed a tight-knit

community to prosper among its queens, a sister-

hood orged in love and lace-ront wigs.

Te same however cannot be said or Scotlandscapital. Edinburghs drag scene currently borders

on non-existent. Despite occasional sparks o bril-

liance in queer oriented events like Conusion is

Sex or Cilla Slacks string o drag competitions at

Chalkys, nothing has ignited enough interest to

create permanent drag scene. Te citys hollow

circuit is completely at odds with the throng o

talent within it. Edinburghs queens are fiercely

dedicated, and work tirelessly not just to perecttheir craf, but to cultivate spaces in which it can

be appreciated.

One o these queens is the elusive Alice Rabbit,

who describes her alter ego as a monstrously

sexual presence that exists somewhere between

reality and cartoon, and is steadily becoming a

ubiquitous fixture o Edinburghs gay scene.

On the reasons behind Edinburghs lagging drag

scene, Rabbit said: Whats good about the Glasgow

scene is that whether theres shade being thrown

its a sisterhood and they all support each other,

whereas here its more competitive than sisterly.

In the drag community insult is considered sport,

reerred to by many as reading or throwing

shade. Te exchange o biting remarks between

queens is observed as an essential wit sharpening

exercise but is generally practiced in good aith.

Rabbit alluded that this undercurrent o mutual

love and respect is less prevalent among Edin-

burghs queens.

Youll get a queen who goes or fish [a style

which seeks to achieve the authentic appearanceo a woman] and a queen thats a club kid [an

avant-garde style which draws inspiration rom

the New York ballroom scene]; fishy queen doesnt

want anything to do with club kid because theyre

different and she thinks theyll make her look bad,

said Rabbit.

Drag here is treated more as a bitch est than

perormance art.


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I started thisclub night witha clear goalto create

something Ilove and that I

know the

community willenjoy


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IMPULSE | 2015 45

Another local queen and Rabbits own drag mother

Fedora Homburg, whose aesthetic evokes a plethora

o pop icons using both emininity and masculinity

as a palette, agreed with this sentiment. She also

cited Edinburghs estival-centric arts and culture

calendar as a reason or the lack o interest.

Edinburgh is a tiny place that isnt that ar-

tistic or 11 months o the year then during the

Fringe the entire world comes here and the city

gets spoiled by having all this culture at its door

or one month which then dissipates immediately

afer, said Homburg. Tere are loads o drag acts

during the Fringe but the problem is it kills the

creativity or the rest o the year.You cant have a weekly drag scene because

everyone is basically preparing or this one month.

Rabbit agreed with her mothers sentiments,

going on to describe the Fringe as being like a

period or the city in terms o creativity.

In spite o bleak prospects, Edinburghs drag

drought has not deterred resh aces rom im-

mersing themselves in this gender blind world o

plunging contours and panty lines. Young queensare sashaying out o the drag womb with more

drive and polish than ever beore.

Groundskeeper Fanny, a relative newcomer to

the drag scene, already has her sights set on lofy

ambitions. Fanny likened her experience o the

more lively circuit in Manchester to tasting really

good ood or the first time, but its drag queens

slaying my entire existence.

Im currently co-ounding Edinburghs firstdrag club night. Its called Such A Drag and is pre-

miering at Te Electric Circus. I started this club

night with a clear goal to create something I love

and that I know the community will enjoy, she said.

Fannys project is set to eature a line-up o

local queens who will collaborate or a night o

perormances at the end o every month.

Discussing the possibility o her involvement,

Rabbit, hersel a fiery proponent o bringing dragback to Edinburgh, said: Any stage Im good or;

its another oot in the door and Im happy that

shes doing it.

O her own contribution to the burgeoning

GroundskeeperFanny andAlice Rabbitoutside ofthe ElectricCircus, whereSuch A Dragis set topremiere.


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IMPULSE | 2015 47

popularity o drag in the city

Rabbit went on to stress the

potency o visibility: Drag was

quite quiet here and I think when

I started showing up and being

out in drag a lot it made other

little baby queens in the bars

think well i she can walk in and

do it all the time without being

araid then why cant I?

My goal was or drag to be

seen more, thats all I wanted.

Whether Such A Drag proves

successul or not it will mark ahuge turning point or the art

orm in Scotlands capital, and

prove once and or all that drag

has a home in Edinburgh. Tese

queens are a testament to the

inexhaustible possibilities drag

offers as an entertainment plat-

orm.

Observing the passion andproessionalism with which they

approach their craf leaves the

unshakeable impression that Ed-

inburghs gay scene could be on

the verge o a massive makeover.

Mascara wands at the ready.

To see exclusivebehind-the-scenes

footage of ourDrag Queen photoshoot

at the ElectricCircus head over to

Impulsemag-online.com.


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Photos: Angus Duncan


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IMPULSE | 2015 49

BARREL OF LAUGHSFed up of Te Stand? KAIE CAMPBELL tells youwhere you can go in Edinburgh to get your comedy fix.

DURING the month o August, you cant turn a corner in

Edinburgh without stumbling on a bar, club or phone

box advertising itsel as a comedy venue o some kind.

he other eleven months o the year, its a bit o a dierent story.

Globally renowned club he Stand operates several venues

throughout the city and has grown massively since its opening in

1996, but what alternatives do we have to he Stands stranglehold

on the Edinburgh comedy scene?he Beehive on the Grassmarket has been a mainstay o the

Fringe or years. Its attic is home to comedy club, Monkey Barrel

Comedy, which is held there on a Friday and Saturday.

he host, Rick Molland, is known or his antastically brutal and

audacious style o comedy. With such a well-respected name in the

Scottish stand-up circuit at the helm, Monkey Barrel Comedy is a

prime hotspot or discovering new talent on the stand-up scene.

Not a weekend goes by without established Scottish talent like

Vladimir Mcavish or Jojo Sutherland taking their turn on themic alongside some o the best rising talent. You can ind line-ups

or each weeks shows on the Monkey Barrel Comedy website.

I improvisational comedy is your bag, look no urther than

the Canons Gait on the Royal Mile, which plays host to Fringe

With such a well-respected namein the Scottish stand-up circuit

at the helm, Monkey BarrelComedy is a prime hotspot

IMPULSE | COMEDY


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avourites Men With Coconuts, AKA Impro FX.

he show takes you on a 90-minute improvised

comedy adventure based on audience sugges-

tions. Its an all singing, all dancing, spur o the

moment aair that showcases the best aspects

o stand-up in one neat package. You can catch

the Men With Coconuts every hursday night

at the Canons Gait or a modest 6.

It is always worth keeping an eye out or whatis on in the Bedlam heatre. he student run

theatre has been another key Fringe venue or

many years, situated just o Bristo Square and

acting as a home or some o the estivals most

popular acts, such as the Penny Dreaduls and

Miles Jupp.

At the moment, its playing host to improv

troupe he Improverts, who host one late show

every Friday night at 10.30pm during Edinburgh

Universitys term time. he Improverts create

games using the audiences suggestions, leading

to a new and hilarious show every time. heyhave been a staple o the Fringe or 26 years, and

its easy to see why they are such an established

orce in Edinburghs comedy scene.


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IMPULSE | 2015 51

ROSS Hepburn is a standup comedian like

no other. With an incredibly vivid andascinating imagination and comedic style,

he is certainly one to watch or the uture.

On April 2nd o this year, Hepburn will be

hosting a show at Banshee Labyrinth named

Science Fiction: Double Feature alongside close

riend Des Gorman.

Te inspiration or Hepburns show comes rom

his interest in cinema and his ascination with the

film Te Rocky Horror Picture Show while growingup, describing his act as a love letter about the

films I ound solace in watching.

Science Fiction ollows in a similar vein to

Hepburns previous works (which include three

perormances at Te Stand) in being a very conver-

sational show where the crowd are encouraged to

engage and share in the experience. However this

time Hepburn has a cause to promote Autism

Awareness.Hepburn has Aspergers Syndrome, a type

o autism that can be debilitating. Many with

Aspergers struggle throughout their childhood

and teenage years ofen with poor social skills and

a reluctance to interact with others.

Growing up with autism impacted not only

Hepburns lie but also his amily, with many people

simply not understanding how to cope with the

disorder.You know theres something wrong, but you

cant quite put your finger on it, Hepburn said.

I just thought differently rom other children.

Diagnosed at seven, Hepburn elt disconnected

rom his peers. Seeing the world differently was aterriying and strange experience.

His development in high school was at times

hindered by his condition. He describes being taken

out o class regularly as a disheartening process in

his education. But in many aspects, his condition

allowed him to be very creative and flourish in

art, English and other literary subjectsones in

which he could express himsel in a way he saw fit.

Hepburns state o mind reflects and compli-ments his style o comedy.

Im a conversationalist, he said. I like talking,

and I enjoy making people laugh. Having someone

say hey, that really brightened my day is the most

satisying eeling.

It was in the early days o high school he realised

he could make people laugh simply by conveying

his inner thoughts and eelings.

I love ommy Cooper, hes my idol, Hepburnsaid. In high school I stood up in ront o class

and told a joke. Te only thing I could conjure up

was something rom one o his sketches, and to

my surprise, everybody laughed.

It was at that point he knew he wanted to be

a comedian.

In using comedy as a way to vent the workings

o his mind, Hepburn will have you keeled over

with laughter but also ascinate you with how hetruly thinks.

Ultimately, audience members will leave with

sore sides and a newound understanding o autism.

TAKING A STANDRoss Hepburn is a stand-up comedian with adifference. ROSS KELLY spoke to him abouthis life on the stage.

Having someone sayhey, that really

brightened my day isthe most satisfying

feeling

IMPULSE | COMEDY


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IMPULSE | 2015 53

the story. Or even, that his idea o the characters

split personality was influenced by the differencesbetween the Old and New own.

Edinburghs aura influenced Stevenson when

he created Body Snatcher in 1884. Not only is this

story set in Edinburgh, it is also widely believed

that it was based on the amous murders associated

with Burke and Hare.

Kidnapped was set all over Scotland but key

moments took place in Edinburgh with reerences

to Corstorphine Hill and Queenserry Road.Mentions o the city continue throughout Ste-

vensons career. In Te Wrecker the main character

visits his grandather in Edinburgh and explores

Calton Hill, Arthurs Seat and Princes Street.

Nathan Lawrie works at the Writers Museum,

and is passionate about Edinburghs stamp on the

literary world.

Te city has such a unique history; the build-

ings, the way its laid out, its different rom any-

where else in the world and I think that can be

quite inspirational he explains.

I you look at J.K Rowling and the things she

wrote here I think its easy to set antasy around

the city because when you look about the place it

doesnt really have a modern vibe about it, and I

think that makes it much easier to inspire you to

do different things.

Te unique characteristics o Edinburgh have

The city has sucha unique history;the buildings, theway its laid out,its different from

anywhere else in theworld and I thinkthat can be quiteinspirational

Photo: Angus Duncan

helped create many fictional masterpieces. Even

when Stevenson moved thousands o miles awayto Western Samoa, his thoughts were never ar

rom his home city. In his last days, it was these

memories o Edinburgh that helped inspire him:

Writing as I do in a strange quarter o the

world, and a late day o my age, I can still behold

the profile o her towers and chimneys, and the

long trail o her smoke against the sunset.

Tis influence and lasting effect that Edinburgh

has on her residents and visitors, is what made herbecome the first city in the world to be presented

the UNESCO City o Literature award in 2004. A

fine acknowledgement o the capitals distinctive-

ness and beauty.

Edinburghs Old Town providesthe perfect setting for any

Scottish tale, and authors takefull advantage.


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AS you walk Edinburghs grey, cobbled

streets you walk where authors were in-

spired and where dreamers could finallysee their stories come to lie. Robert Louis Ste-

venson saw the pirates o reasure Island on

Firde Island, as he played with his riends in the

caves. David Nicholls imagined the romantic walk

up Arthurs Seat o Dex and Em in One Day. JK

Rowling envisioned Edinburgh Castle as a school

or young wizards and Ian Rankin could see himsel

sharing a pint with John Rebus in Te Oxord Bar

as he brooded over a case. Tese stories and char-acters were wandering lost in authors minds, but

they ound a home in Edinburgh. Why are writers

drawn to this tiny, old city? We asked writers or

their reason or setting their novels in Edinburgh.

David Nicholls has achieved phenomenal

success with his books and screenplays. His novel

One Day was adapted into a movie starring AnneHathaway and was a huge hit. In the book his two

main characters Dexter and Emma begin their love

story in Edinburgh.

Why did I choose Edinburgh? It probably

comes back to that old cliche o writing what you

know. One Day starts in July 1988, and I was also in

Edinburgh that summer, sharing a single room in

Rankeillor Street with twelve other student actors

while we put on a show at the Fringe.I loved everything about it. Tirty years later,

sitting down to write One Day, I wanted to summon

up that sense o excitement and anxiety, idealism

and uncertainty and so it seemed natural to return

THE CITY BEHIND THE STORYOf all the places to set your story, why choose Edinburgh? LAUREN RICHIEinvestigates the capitals popularity as a literary setting.

Photo: Lauren Stephen


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IMPULSE | 2015 55

to the city at that particular time, and the little flat

on Rankeillor Street where the fictional Emma

Morley lives.

Samantha Young is a New York imes, USA

oday and the Wall Street Journal bestselling author

rom Scotland. Her first novel On Dublin Street is

about Jocelyn Butler who has lef her tragic pastbehind in the States and has decided to start over

in Edinburgh. Her guarded world is then shaken

by her roommates seductive older brother:

Very simply, the reason I chose Edinburgh as a

setting or my On Dublin Street series is because

o my love or the city. Tis series was my first

step into adult contemporary romance. I decided

it was pivotal to write rom my own experience as

much as possible and Id worked and lived in Ed-inburgh or a number o years. I knew the city well.

When you know the setting well it allows you to

concentrate solely on your characters and plot-the

setting naturally moves with the story. Moreover,

my largest readership is the US and Scotland has

extremely romantic connotations or Americans.

Christopher Brookmyres first novel Quite Ugly

One Morning was the winner o the Critics First

Blood Award or Best First Crime Novel o the

Year in 1996. Te book is about Jack Parlabane,

a Glaswegian journalist, who has just returned toScotland rom LA afer finding out that someone

wanted him dead.

My first novel Quite Ugly One Morning was

really based on my first impressions o Edinburgh

when I just moved there rom Glasgow in the 1990s.

My take on Edinburgh in the novel was actually

quite impressionistic which made it quite satirical.

At the time when I thought o Edinburgh I thought

o ladies in tweed jackets in Jenners and things likethat, but then my novels set in Edinburgh became

less like that as my impressions o the city changed

when I lived longer in the city. Te longer you live

in a city the less you understand it.

IMPULSE | BOOKS

Everyone has read a bookinspired by, or set inEdinburgh at one point.

Even Taystee.


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IMPULSE | 2015 57

THE Humans movement began in New York five years ago,as the brainchild o Brandon Stanton. Te premise is simpleenough. Photograph anybody at all - with consent - andextract some words o wisdom. It quickly became clear though,

as others became inspire to document their own city, that the

appeal wasnt just confined to a ew square miles o Manhattan.Te architect o this more local Facebook phenomenon,

Humans o Edinburgh, is Ollie Buchanan. With over 43,000

ollowers, the 20 year old English student has an eye or stories.

A combined love or photography and Humans o New York

convinced him to shoot his first subject over a year ago.

I just thought o it as photography to start with, but now its

more about the finding stuff out, just being nosy.

Over time his photography has stood out or its accompanying

quotes, which give both deep personal insights and spark debatesvia the comments. A sense o community has conjured to the

point that people respond in turn with equally private detail.

As soon as I started doing it I realised people open up way

more to a stranger than they do to their riends. Even though

they know that their riends are going to see it.

Its getting it off your conscience. Somethings driving you

mad, and as soon as 40,000 people know it, its tiny then.

O course, not every opinion sought will be so admirable,

It is a concept that has swept the globe, and Edinburghwith it. DREW HAUGHEYtakes a peek at who isbehind the camera.

MAKINGEDINBURGH HUMAN

IMPULSE | PEOPLE

Photos: Ollie Buchanan


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thereore the quotes have been mildly moderated

to prevent an overload o downbeat opinion. I

like the unny ones, so its what I push or, Ollie

remarks. Some encounters however, such as with

two Russian girls asked their opinion o gay people

in the afermath o LGBQ protests at the Sochi

games, leave little light. What did emerge though,

I completely lost all element o being proes-

sional with it. It was like, what did you just say, how

dare you kind o thing. And then they were like all

gay people should burn in hell.

A notable aspect o the Edinburgh version o

this unpatented, worldwide brand is the effort to

intervene in the lives o those who are having di-

ficulties. Buchanan went as ar as to set up PayPalaccounts or homeless subjects, such as Carl, a man

who wanted to work with dogs. Although claiming

the process was a learning curve, and that he had

perhaps been naive, Buchanan still raised a large

amount quickly.

Tat guy ate good ood or as long as that

money lasted, which was a couple o months at least.

Humans o Edinburgh is just a platorm or

other peoples opinion. I could just go out everyday, photograph normal people on the street and

ask them what they had or dinner last night; or

I could use it or something that has a bit more

meaning, and can last longer than that.

was the character o the online community to

counter homophobia.Yeah, she spat, and I dont remember where it

hit but it landed on my shoe or leg, or the ground in

ront o me...but yeah, she spat at me, and I walked

away thinking, this is going to go viral.

I just thought ofit as photography tostart with, but nowits more about thefinding stuff out,just being nosy

IMPULSE | PEOPLE

Photo: Drew Haughey

The man behindHumans of Edinburgh,Ollie Buchanan,in front of thecamera for a change.


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IMPULSE | 2015 59

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A state-of-the-art gym and 1200m2sports hall, with

over 30 classes a week at Sighthill, Craiglockhart

and Merchiston. Theres never been a better time

to get your kit on and [EN]GAGE yourself!

Our choice of flexible and affordable fitness packages really set us apart at

[EN]GAGE, with a range of memberships on offer for students, staff and the public.

We also offer fitness consultations with our expert staff, where you can create a

6 week tailor-made programme to help you reach your fitness goals.

0131 455 4437 | [email protected].

http://bit.ly/ENGAGE_Home

@engage_fitness

/engagefitness


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YOU have scaled Arthurs Seat, youve shuddered at the price o the castle, and youve scared

yoursel silly through Mary Kings Close so whats next? Edinburgh guides always ocus on the

cliches, the busy tourist hotspots that weve all seen beore. Weve come up with an alternative

weekend in the capital guaranteed to keep you busy when youre sick o the usual suggestions. Whether

youre up or anything, or just afer a leisurely weekend out, we have it covered.

NOT IN THE GUIDE BOOKSIts a city filled to the brim with art, entertainment, and culture but the true beautyof Edinburgh can be found in the lesser known hotspots. SEPHANIE GRAYandALICE CRUICKSHANKreveal the citys hidden gems.

Illustration: Patrick Hughes


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IMPULSE | 2015 61

1BESTBREAKFASTFair Trade Coffee Shop,

Albert PlaceThe Whole Shebang breakfastwill combat ravenous appetites(and hangovers) without beingheavy on grease. The coffee is

top-notch, too.

2SWEETTREATSMarys Milk Bar,

GrassmarketYoull fnd proper Italian ice

cream in every favour you could

dream of. Calories dont countwhen it tastes this good, right?

3KILLERCOCKTAILSPanda & Sons,

Queen StreetCleverly disguised as a vintage

barbershop, this speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar serves up

elaborate concoctions.

4BESTATMOSPHERE52 Canoes Tiki Den,

Melville StreetEnjoy a little slice of Hawaii in

this quirky venue. They servecocktails in tiki glasses, and thefood portions are huge.

A L T E R N A T I V EBARS AND CAFES

IN THE CITY:

Blackford HillStill got some energy lef? Go

or a sunset walk. Weve all

climbed Arthurs Seat a thousand

times, so instead you should try

Blackord Hill. It offers a quick

escape rom the hustle and bustle

o the city as well as great views o

the castle and Arthurs Seat itsel.

Royal ObservatoryFor the budding astronomers

among us, theres the Edinburgh

Royal Observatory. Tey holdpublic events weekly until the

end o April, and monthly

throughout the summer. Booking

is essential or these sessions,

where you can expect to spend

an evening observing the night

sky through telescopes as well as

learning to identiy constellations

with the naked eye. Head alongor an experience thats out o

this world.

Cameo CinemaFor a more relaxed activity, try

the Cameo Cinema. Just a 15-

minute walk rom the city centre,

its perect or crowd dodging on

a rainy day. While others flockto bigger chain cinemas, at the

Cameo, you can enjoy select

viewings o films in a cosier,

vintage setting. Tey do great

movie marathons and special

showings, too. In addition, theres

plenty o atmosphere in the tiny

screens, and you can head to

their bar or a drink i youve gottime beore your film.

Stockbridge MarketI you find yoursel in the west

end, wander down Dean Bridge

and into Stockbridge their

Sunday Market is a great alter-

native to busy town shopping and

youll be doing your bit or the

local community as well.

Foxfall Ropes CourseLooking or a challenge? ake

on the Foxall Ropes Course set

in Scotlands only wakeboarding

park about 40 minutes outside oEdinburgh. Te low ropes course

doesnt involve a harness, which

is completely unique to the UK.

With reezing water below you,

the course is a test o willpower as

well as agility with two different

courses to tackle.

Traverse TheatreI youre afer a quiet, cultured

evening head to the raverse

Teatre just off Lothian Road.

Tey opened in 1963, and today

they eature some o Scotlands

best new writing. Tey pride

themselves on their innovation

and risk taking. Teyre commit-

ted to providing opportunitiesor writers at all stages o their

careers, so youre bound to find

something unique and exciting.

Glentress ForestA real off road adventure to the

south o the city, Glentress Forest

is sure to get your adrenaline

pumping. Teir mountain bikeroutes are some o the best in

the country and are colour coded

according to a range o difficulties.


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DOWN MEMORY LANE

1. IRN BRU BARSScottish public, we must unite and

bring peace back to our precious

land. Our time is now, Scotland. We

must bring back the Irn Bru Bar!

9.JOCK FROM THELADY AND THE TRAMPForget Merida rom Brave or

Scrooge McDuck; Jock is our Scot-

tish Disney hero.

7. ACTUALHISTORICAL FACTSIN BRAVEHEARTA moment o silence or Scottish

historians when Braveheart was

released. Te historical inaccuracies

included a depiction o the Battle o

Stirling Bridgewithout a BRIDGE.

10. JOHN SMEATONI k icked a burningterrorist so hard in the balls I tore atendon in my oot. John Smeaton,you are a Scottish legend.

5. SANDI THOMBeore the movement o

Scottish independence, there was a

movement in being punk rockers

with flowers in our hair.

6. LEON JACKSONRemember that guy that won Te X

Factor? You may not find his albums

in HMV, but you will find his great

customer service.

2. STINXChildren used to think twice about

taking up smoking thanks to pop

music. Te girl band SINXs catchy

lyrics, Why do you keep on running

boy? Cant run so ast, got a pain in

my chest, have been stuck in our

heads or over a decade now.

4. GLASVEGASWhere on earth did our avourite

Glaswegian indie rock band go?

No one pulled off depressing songs

and big, old quiffs like they did.

Okay, maybe Te Smiths had that

pretty nailed and maybe Arctic

Monkeys did too

8. MONARCHOF THE GLENSunday night just isnt the same

without Monarch o Te Glen. Te

twee Highland drama made viewers

go wild when Archie finally kissed

his true love, Lexie. But Scotland

has never truly recovered rom the

heartbreak o poor, old Hector acci-

dentally blowing himsel up whilefishing. Bring back MOG.

3. THE SCHEMEAt one point, the height oScottish drama was Te Scheme,the documentary ollowing sixdifferent amilies all livingin a large housing scheme inKilmarnock. Does happy asLarry mean anything to anyoneanymore? And what happened toBullet the dog?

LAUREN RICHIE remembers the forgotten aspects of ourScottish past, from Irn Bru bars to Smeeto saving Glasgow.

Illustrations: Lois Glen


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Impulse Magazine 2015