A Quick chat with Nichola Dougan - The Scarlett Fund

I have been really fortunate to meet some incredible people as part of fundraising activities over the last few years.   You can't help but feel inspired listening to the unique stories from people from all walks of life, and how it impacts them or those that they care for.

Attending a BHF function a number of years ago, I was introduced to an incredible family who fundraise on for the BHF Scotland and The Glasgow Children's Hospital charities.  The Dougan family (Peter and Nichola) were left in shock when their daughter Scarlett was diagnosed with an extremely rare and serious heart defect when she was only 5 months old.   Watching the dedication and skill of the hospital staff caring for their child inspired the family to focus much of their efforts on raising funds and awareness of the phenomenal work of both charities.

I chatted with Nichola Dougan to understand how she has navigated 2020

Q. How did you cope with home schooling in your dual life as a parent & teacher during the initial lockdown period?  

A. I have to admit that I am pretty rubbish at home schooling. Peter was far better. He took on most of the fun research activities. I actually think our children did really well. Their school was great at providing a variety of lessons every day and keeping the children engaged. They all worked really hard and I think they have improved a lot in some areas.  As a teacher, I found teaching virtually a real struggle. It was so hard to gauge how the children in my class were doing. I really, really missed seeing them. 

 

Q  How have you been keeping yourself busy?  

A. We are never “not busy”,  4 children will always find a way to keep you busy  

And home improvements! So chuffed with some of the projects we have managed to complete. I have to admit though that as much as I loved getting the house in order in the beginning the novelty has well and truly worn off. 

Q. What has been your biggest challenge?  

My biggest challenge has been trying to make celebrations special. We like a good celebration in our family and we have traditions that we look forward to. Scarlett's First Holy Communion is the perfect example- How do you make the day as special as it should be when it happens at 7pm on a dreich Wednesday evening?  I have to say, I think we managed it. Each celebration has been great in it's own way. I think it's just the feeling of not being able to share it with others that makes it so challenging.    

Q. Where have you found strength at difficult times?  

My family. Whenever I have found things difficult, I have found comfort in taking a step back and realising what a privileged position I am in. We have so much to be grateful for, not least our health and financial security, something that is so uncertain for many, many others. When I think about it like that I feel incredibly lucky, I pick myself up and get on with it!!  

The children always entertain, and they keep me going. We have had loads of invaluable family time and I am so grateful to have had this. I have also enjoyed attending Mass virtually, which has surprised me as I usually avoid technology when I can.   

Q. If you could go back to March & give yourself some advice - what would it be?  

A. I would tell myself that this will be a marathon not a sprint. Oh and I’d make much more of an effort to keep the children practising the piano!!!!

 

Q. What have you learned about yourself?  

A. Even when it feels like I have all the time in the world there are some tasks I will avoid, mainly ones that involve using the computer!  

Days don’t need to be crazy busy, sometimes doing very little is exactly what I need. Allowing the children to have a “lazy day “ isn’t the end of the world!  

I’ve also realised that I am much more social person than I thought.

Q. Did you pick up any new skills?  

A. I had loads of plans to get stuck in to our charity website and get it updated, I am ashamed to admit I haven't. Technology really isn't my strength. I get bored with staring at a screen and lose patience easily! Not sure I picked up any skills successfully, I did try out lots of bits and pieces. Having more time at home meant teaching the children new skills (does that count)?

 

Q. What have you missed most?  

A. Without a doubt, my family and friends are what I missed most. I wouldn't have described myself as someone who was out socialising a lot however I do have lots of fabulous people that I pop in to see, go for a coffee with, meet for lunch or dinner. Actually, even just stopping for chats when I am out and about in my area too is something I have missed. I would always be pottering about at weekends, popping into local shops and passing the time while dropping/picking up children from clubs. All that has stopped, everything feels very rigid and distant.  

Q. The Scarlett fund has made significant contributions to the British Heart Foundation and Glasgow Children's hospital charities over a number of years, with an uncertain future around large scale fundraising events - how do you see this affecting charities and fundraisers hosting marquee events?  

A. I am worried about the future for charities. We host Scarlett's Ball each year and it really is like one massive party. We fill the room with lots of supporters and party all night. I honestly can’t see it happening again any time soon.  I am generally a very positive and motivated person however I don’t feel like that these days. My motivation is driven by thoughts of my daughter’s future and so I worry, hugely, that if I have lost my motivation then there really is not much to hope for.  

That said, I do see wonderful people doing amazing things for charity, I don’t believe people have changed and so I know that if the events are there then the support will be too.

I think that the charities need people that can think outside the box in order to hold events that fit into today’s world. The way we live today is unrecognisable from how it was at the beginning of the year so in reality this way of life is really very new and requires  huge adjustments for everyone. I am hopefully that as this becomes less new, things will become clearer and less complicated, future will be less uncertain, people will once again flock to help and support charities just as much as they did in the past.  

A Quick chat with David Linden - MP for Glasgow East

I contacted my local MP David Linden a number of weeks ago to chat about the impact of the pandemic on his parliamentary work and the effects in the local community.    I've got to admit I was surprised at how quickly David got back to me and how open our chat was about local life and the many good deeds and amazing initiatives that go unnoticed by many in the city.

An e-mail, phone call and a (socially distant) face to face chat only confirmed to me the passion David has for the local community and his focus on delivering a better future for his constituents.

Hope you enjoy my Q&A with David Linden MP for Glasgow East

Q. know you're a football fan, so my first question has to be around fans in stadiums - how can this be progressed to help big & small clubs to welcome fans back & provide much needed input into the local economy?

A. Good question!  For my sins, I’ve been an Airdrieonians fan for the last 19 years and it feels totally alien not to be in my usual season ticket seat in the Jack Dalziel stand these days.

The reality is, the spread of the virus is still rising just now – so now would not be the time to return fans to stadiums en masse.

We have, however, seen areas where the prevalence rate is lower able to open smaller stadiums, e.g. Elgin City FC in Moray, and I think we are all hoping that we can end up in a similar situation at some point but realistically, I’m not expecting to be back at football any time soon.

Q.  How have you been keeping yourself busy away from Parliament?

A. Work!  The challenges Glasgow East faces are well known and documented, e.g. an unemployment rate that runs at roughly double that of the UK national average – even at the best of times/pre-pandemic.  Unfortunately, at its peak around 12,000 folk locally were furloughed and that has led to a number of job losses already.  So even when I’m not in Parliament, I’m almost certainly only the phone speaking to a local business and trying to protect jobs.

I’ve tried to carve out a bit of time on Sundays to go walking with my best mate, Dougie.  He’s a fellow long-suffering Airdrie fan so what in effect is meant to be a relaxing walk tends to end up with us getting worked up about the woes of Airdrie’s performance the previous day!

Q. What has been your biggest challenge?

A. Like a lot of people, I found the initial and most stringent part of lockdown really tough going in terms of my mental health.  I was used to travelling a lot for work and being stuck in the house – albeit working from home – 23 hours a day was quite a challenge.

Q. Where have you found strength at difficult times?

A. My faith has helped me through a lot, no doubt about that.  Hope is one of the central parts of the Christian faith, so I’ve been clinging to that a lot… and praying for a vaccine!

Q. What have you learned about yourself / local community?

A. I always knew the people of Glasgow East were pretty generous and kind hearted but the community response has been absolutely phenomenal. 

Literally at one point of the early days of lockdown, there was actually some frustrating levels of duplication in terms of providing food parcels being delivered to people but that’s probably a measure of how well-meaning folk are.  It’s true: East End = Best End.

Q.      Did you pick up any new skills?

A. I wouldn’t say operating IT was always my strong point but I’ve become a little more confident at using technology during lockdown, though I won’t be sad to see the back of Zoom!  I much prefer meeting people face-to-face…

Q.      What are you looking forward to most when it's safe to do so?

A. Giving my Mum a hug.  It’s simple things like that I’ve missed and our family has been through a pretty tough time so I’m definitely looking forward binning the social distancing when it’s safe to do so!

Q.      What are your political hopes when the country begins to move out of restrictions & faces a new norm/ world?

A. At the moment, if I’m being honest, I just want to get to the other side when folk aren’t being diagnosed or dying from this awful virus.  Politically, there are big questions to be asked about where we go next but I think most politicians – on a cross party basis – are genuinely just trying to get us through this.

Q.      hopefully you are allowed to give an honest opinion on this one..............Recent polls have support for Scottish independence at an all-time high, do you think this is in light of the leadership shown by our first minister Nicola Sturgeon or the perceived lack of governance from Downing street?

A. I’ve been asked this question before but I don’t think it’s just the First Minister’s handling of the pandemic which has shown a difference with Downing Street (though I think Nicola has probably communicated better than Boris which has been a big factor in winning public trust).  A lot of this, I think, goes back to Brexit and even beyond – people had a glimpse in 2014 of what independence might be like.  I understand folk were a bit cautious and voted No but I think the glimpse they’ve had into Brexit Britain since 2014 has probably led to many people changing their mind.

And when the facts change, people should have the right to change their mind! 

In my view, Scottish independence is now when – not if.

 

A Quick Chat With Dental Practice Owner - Frederico Do Rego

With the NHS stretched to capacity at the height of the pandemic, most non-essential care was postponed to allow medics to focus on the growing number of cases in hospitals.   Out with the hospital corridors other parts of the NHS service was also suspended.   Dentists up and down the country closed their doors, focusing purely on emergency treatments and tooth extractions.   As restrictions started to be lifted some dental services became available, but frustratingly for most it came at a cost with the added waiting times under new guidelines.

I spoke with principal Dentist and owner Mr Frederico Do Rego at Oaktree Dental Centre in Kilsyth to get an idea what the Covid restrictions have meant for his business, staff and community he serves.   I’ve known Rico most of my life and feel fortunate to be able to call him my brother-in-law and friend.   I know how passionate he is about dentistry and see how his manor and approach make even the most nervous patients feel very much at ease in the dentist chair.   I also see the positive outlook he has with life and work in general which rubs off on people he is in contact with.

Hope you enjoy the next in my quick chats series.

Q. How has dental treatment changed since the complete lockdown was introduced in March - do you feel it has gone backwards?

A. Dentistry has worked on the current fee scale through seeing as many patients as possible and long working days . With Covid restrictions the time factor has meant longer appointments and therefore less patients being seen . This has had an adverse effect on wages and also running a practice . However, some in the dental industry will see this as a positive, with many dentists unlikely to return to those long days.   Perhaps,  a new normal will result  for the better I believe for dentists; unfortunately this will also mean greatly increased costs to patients.

Q. How have you been keeping yourself busy?

A. We have never really stopped as we still deal with emergencies . From a hundred patients a day at our surgery down to ten means a huge waiting list 

Q. What has been your biggest challenge?

A. Trying to keep my costs down and hold on to my staff . We have a recoverable debt but time will tell but I am in the fortunate position of selling to a corporate who are more capable of coping.   It may result in many dental surgeries closing or going private.

Q. Where have you found strength at difficult times?

A. Certain members of the team have stepped up and beyond their duties to cover those that were unable to come in.  This has been really encouraging for me and the wider team.

Q. If you could go back to March & give yourself some advice - what would it be?

A. I really haven’t found the answer to that . Staff and myself now have issues with mental health and we are no where near a recovery route . Personally my life plan was the make sure my family were secure . Coming from a background of hardship and uncertainty I wanted to make sure the future generations have an easier more predictable future.

Q. What have you learned about yourself?

I am not as strong mentally as I imagined and I definitely less tolerant as a result.  I don’t like this 

Q. Did you pick up any new skills?

No but I use the extra time on procedures to raise my standards 

Q. What have you missed most?

A. People faces family 

Q. What will be the biggest challenge facing Dentistry when we start to move out of lockdown?

A. Dealing with the backlog and also telling patients costs have now rocketed and waiting times are months for routine  work .   Most dentists are an integral part of the communities they serve, but with extra costs and waiting times for patients we may not be seen as an accommodating friend anymore.

My reception staff have been brought to tears on a daily basis when explaining to patients that waiting times & costs have increased significantly.  It is difficult for staff to deal with, especially with patients in pain and feeling the financial strain.

A quick chat with the Glasgow Illustrator - Adrian McCmurchie

The Glasgow landscape is steeped in history and design.    From the grand structures of Kelvingrove and the University in the west end to the Greek Thompson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh constructions of the city centre, the city has inspired generations of architects and designers to compliment our dear green place with incredible examples of creativity.

The Glasgow Illustrator Adrian McMurchie pays homage to our distinguished past and confident modern outlook in his creative city scenes, maps and watercolours.   The contrast of vibrant colours and architectural lines allow you to still feel the beating heart of the city in his innovative designs.   Adrian has been a strong supporter of a number of charities in the city, perhaps most notably with his design for the Glasgow Oor Wullie trail which sat in the banks of the river Clyde beside the Tall Ship and Riverside Museum.  

Adrian and I spoke about the very different challenges he has faced during 2020 and what has kept him going.   Hope you enjoy.

Q. What advice would you like to go back & give yourself at the start of lockdown?

A. Although it's been tough, I'd like to think we've done our best as a family since lockdown started in Scotland.

Q.  How have you been keeping yourself busy?

A. As lockdown began I started an exhibition piece for The Riverside Museum. Normally this would have taken a month or so but due to the nature of everything generally going at a slower pace we could take our time with it and subsequently I produced a series of roughs evolving every time. Without the tie given we wouldn't have produced as good a finished artwork as we did. The job was to illustrate a map of Glasgow record shops from the 1980's to roughly 1995. It was due to go on display in June but we'll be holding off until any form of lockdown is gone along with the virus so as many people as possible can visit.

Q. What has been your biggest challenge?

A. I'm used to working from home on my own with my daughter being at school and my wife working away for half of the month so initially it was a bit of a challenge having more people at home and with that, more distractions.

Q. Where have you found strength at difficult times?

Q.  Maybe, rediscovering my love for cycling. I used to go out daily in my 20s and 30s but this dropped off over the last decade. I'm back on it 6 days a week. Great for body and mind and I'm finding different routes all the time I never knew existed.

Q. How did you find home schooling?

A. Home schooling wasn't too strenuous, especiallywith the support of the teachers at school. Our daughter was in P6 and now P7. They were fortunate enough to have ipads from the school so the teachers could send work remotely and have a group facetime meeting once a week. 

Q.  What have you learned about yourself?

To slow down. Previous to the virus I'd be up at 6am working for a couple of hours before taking Grace to school then back to work. Now, I go out on my bike either first thing or after the school run and get to the drawing board a little later. I feel far more relaxed and chilled out due to this change of routine. Also, to not put off for another day what you can and want to do.

Q. Did you pick up any new skills?

No new skills as such. As before, loving the cycling and enjoying long walks with the family.

Q. What have you missed most?

What a lot of people have missed no doubt. The ease of movement. Wandering into shops/cafes etc and having a random pint when the notion takes me.

Q. What will be the biggest challenge artists & designers will face when we start to move out of lockdown?

A. Throughout the years any form of art has been seen as a luxury despite significant periods in history being remembered and punctuated by great art, theatre, film etc. The concern is Governments will let the arts flounder unlike other so called vital sectors of business. What is worth noting and remembering is that artists of all variety are always creating through recessions, pandemics or any other worldwide affected scenario whilst others may grind to a halt such as construction, finance etc.

A quick chat with Murray Easton - Fundraising Manager and Blogger

When the nation stood at their front doors and back gardens every Thursday night to show appreciation for the NHS staff &  front line key workers there was a strong feeling of solidarity amongst neighbours and the community.    When time was called on the weekly event fundraising manager Murray Easton still looked for ways to build on the community spirit that had been critical during the early weeks of lockdown.   As he put it -  “I wanted to keep spirits up, so I booked a mobile coffee van (the Flat White) to park in our driveway a few times. So it was great to socialise safely outside and adhere to social distancing with friends and family”

I’ve known Murray for a few years now and his passion in making the best of situations has always amazed me.    From working with him on fundraising activities at the British Heart Foundation and Pancreatic Cancer Scotland to grabbing a beer or coffee when time allowed we’ve built up a good friendship.   Earlier this year when I was dealing with mental health problems , Murray was a constant source of help and input for me and for that I am very grateful.

With thousands of gigs and blogs under his belt Murray has a wonderful insight into the live music scene and recently guested on Desert Island Disco with Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 6.    It was nice to catch up with him and chat about working though 2020.

Q. How have you been keeping yourself busy?

A. I have 2 young daughters who keep me busy! In addition I've been playing tennis after semi-retirement from 7-a-sides and I am loving it. Getting lost in game for a couple of hours is a great form of escapism, as well as exercise!

I have also continued to write my blog, although it now has more of a focus on older music that I have loved for a long time, but the odd new band / release features.

Q. Has social media been good or bad for you since March?

A. It's largely been good, but I have blocked/unfollowed some people.

But by-in-large I follow or I am friends with like minded people. So there is plenty of chat about music and football, plus the odd bit on politics and news.   In addition I've had zoom calls with friends I have made through the band Teenage Fanclub which have been great fun. It's been good to get a perspective on things from various places across the world before going on to get drunk and talk about the band!

Q. What has been your biggest challenge ?

A. Hmmm home schooling, no date night, no gigs, working from home, staying positive ....I am definitely a glass half full person, but this is testing!

The biggest has probably not been seeing my Mum as often. She used to pick up the kids from school a couple of times a week, so that has been off since March and I know what a big thing it was for my Mum and the kids. They all got so much out of it. Then my Mum had a mild stroke in the summer and can no longer drive, so she can't just nip to the shops or nip over to see us in the garden. Not being able to visit her in hospital was challenging.

Thankfully she is on the mend and might even resume driving, although she'll stay local.

Q. Where have you found strength at difficult times?

A. Definitely in family and friends. I remember the first time our friends and neighbours Clare & Robbie came and sat on our garden wall and we chatted for 20-minutes after not seeing them for a while, this was maybe after the hard lockdown. I felt elated afterwards, just to have some social interaction.

The kids definitely keep us going. They make us smile and laugh and if we can do the same in return then it keeps our spirits up. 

 

Q. How did you cope with home schooling?

A. Initially it was a buzz for us all. We would try and do a couple of hours a day and also make sure there was time for exercise. It got tougher!

One of our friends and neighbours quit his job last year to do a year of teacher training. After the hard lockdown ended he came round to our summer house to do 2-hours a week with the kids and the difference between our teaching and his was amazing!

We did OK but I think everyone has newly added respect for teachers.

Q. What have you learned about yourself?

A. Good question! I guess through the coffee van and the Fanclub zooms, I'm good at bringing people together!

I love a good chat with people from all walks of life!

I'm pretty resilient, but that's being tested!

And I guess I've learned (or clarified) that it is simple things in life that keep me happy; family, friends, socialising .. health.

Q. Did you pick up any new skills?

A. I did download Football Manager for the first time in a long time! It's been another good escapism, just to switch off and listen to music while taking Motherwell to within touching distance of the league!

Q. What have you missed most?

A. Gigs and all the socialising that goes with them. They tend to be (or they were) my main excuse/reason these days for getting friends together or getting a night out with my wife. And I miss Glasgow and really worry what the city will look and feel like this time next year.

A few beers pre-show in a pub like McChuills and then on to the Barrowland and maybe a cheeky couple afterwards with good company. What I'd give for a night like that. I can't wait to experience loud music with loads of people and the opportunity to sing and dance and I get anxious when I think of how long it might be before we do that again.

Q. What are your hopes for the charity sector when we begin to move out of lockdown?

A. That we survive! The sector has lost an estimated £10 billion since March. That is £10 billion taken away from research, care, support, campaigning and awareness plus all the other amazing things charities do.

But we have to learn from this. We were too reliant on events and people getting sponsorship. We need to really focus on why charities are needed and the difference that they make. We need to be more transparent about what we want to do and the cost involved in doing it. 

People haven't lost their passion or determination to support a cause or make a difference. We, as charities, need to get them involved in a different way and sometimes that will be a direct ask for money in support of a project.

My own charity, Pancreatic Cancer Scotland, merged with Pancreatic Cancer Action (we're now Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland) at the start of lockdown. So our hopes and dreams took a little turn as everything changed overnight! We're ready to come out fighting and the merger has made us stronger.

I just hope that charities continue to make a difference. We are a resilient, passionate and creative bunch of people. We're being sorely tested and many people have been made redundant. I hope that the sector begins to flourish again and ultimately the research, care, support, campaigning and awareness that charities help with gets back to the levels they were pre COVID.

A Quick Chat with Caroline Wright - Jinty McGintys Manager

For over 20 years my brother George was a resident performer in Jinty McGintys bar on Ashton lane. I have so many fabulous memories of the venue, spent many Sunday afternoons, Sunday evenings and Wednesday nights enjoying the live music and talking with the staff and regulars. It was very much part of my life moving from a teenager, to getting married to my wife Linda & becoming a dad.  Catching up with the friends we made there is still a thrill, even though the time between visits seems to be getting longer.   

The unimaginable changes brought on this year has impacted the hospitality industry to a critical level.    I caught up with my good friend Caroline Wright, manager at Jinty McGintys to talk about what the future might hold for bars in the city and what’s kept her going during this year.

Q. Jintys never reopened as restrictions started to lift over the summer, what was the thinking behind that?

A. Jintys is leasing out restaurant upstairs and serving lunches only between 12-3.

Unfortunately the shape and dimensions of the bar would have allowed very few people in and with only 4 booths holding 4-5 people seated with no one allowed to stand anywhere.   In and around shelving areas would have again limited the amount of people with social distancing being a failure for us.    Logistics of the bar and toilets even with the beer garden, we decided it was too costly to staff toilets on such a narrow staircase one in one out. 

More importantly with no Live music, which is a major part of the business we would not have survived. 

Q. How have you been keeping yourself busy?

A. Cooking walking painting even inside of cupboards. Few jobs always planned to do, i.e. boxes of old photographs organised into families ages individuals, but just got round to them all yet

Q. What has been your biggest challenge?

A. Learning to relax, I found this really difficult in early lockdown. 

Q. Where have you found strength at difficult times?

A. I found strength in knowing there is survival, looking at how others navigated pandemics before this.   Also, thinking of parents and relatives making it through the 2nd world war people going through loss illness any disaster.   Made me feel how fortunate and blessed we are with food on our table clothes on our back and being loved by family and friends. 

Living in a digital age means family and friends are so much more accessible  

Q, If you could go back to March & give yourself some advice - what would it be?

A.  Arranging some kind of rota system for spending time with friends, having structure.

Q. What have you learned about yourself?

A. I’ve learned how to slow down and realised the pace I lived was too fast and did not appreciate life. Also learned to relax without stressing. As simple as some things can be, everything doesn’t need to be finished today, it’s alright for some things to be finished tomorrow.   A bit of me time is alright.

Q. Did you pick up any new skills?

A. Truthfully No new skills, I’ve been too busy slowing down enjoying relaxation with my new boyfriend Netflix.  We only met when lockdown started. 

Q. What have you missed most?

8. I've missed my family and still do, with my son, daughter in law & grandchild in New York, they seem so much further away.   My daughter lives 30 mins away but her job too risky to come see me. 

With grandchildren in Dundee and Aberdeen, siblings living in Edinburgh I’ve not really been able to see them, social media and technology has been great for staying in touch.

Q. What will be the biggest challenge facing the hospitality and bar industry as we attempt to move out of lockdown?

A. Really difficult question and not sure which way this will go, staying afloat, has to be a starting place.  Opening your doors is about making some profit, otherwise there is no point in opening in first place. 

Some bars and restaurants will not being able to survive as costs rise prices will for customers too.

Peoples habits will change perhaps going out will become more of a treat

Going to bars and being allowed to stand interacting with people, have a few libations enjoy the company.......its all about the socialising.    If you have to pay extra for pint who in there right mind would even consider this.   It seems to be driven towards healthier lifestyle staying fit seems to be the way forward. 

Quick Q & A With Bobby Bluebell

Social media has frequently been a shining light  during this long period of restrictions and lockdown.   Finding that glimmer of positivity from Twitter users and Facebook friends has certainly help to lift my mood at times.

I've been a longtime follower of Bobby Bluebell on Twitter & enjoy the interaction he has with so many people about sport, music and politics.   The optimism, energy & enthusiasm Bobby shares is infectious, so I wanted to find out how he has kept that going through 2020 & was delighted when agreed to a quick catch up.

Q. Are you working on any new material?

A. Always... new bluebells album .. new fat cops album.. possibly new best picture record and writing with other artists.

Q. How have you been keeping yourself busy?

A. Focussing on new tracks for these albums has been a big help.

Q. What has been your biggest challenge?

The same as nearly everyone in the music business learning to cope with an uncertain future.

Q. Where have you found strength at difficult times?

Family and friends.. being inspired by so many great people on twitter...golf for getting me out of the house ..Glasgow’s a big help .. its a beautiful place in every way.

Q. If you could go back to March & give yourself some advice - what would it be?

I think I realised early we were in this for a long time ..nothing has surprised me

Q. What have you learned about yourself?

A. I'm stoic and less lazy than I imagined...

Q. Did you pick up any new skills?

A. Mostly on Logic Pro X .. i like taking pictures ...and got a little better at golf

Q.. What have you missed most?

A. Everything involving people.. contact  

Q. What will be the biggest challenge facing the live music scene when we start to move out of lockdown?

A. Nothing it will explode if its safe .. the biggest challenge facing music is the tory government.. and the ridiculously low steaming payment rates 

Quick Q&A With Jack Stoddart - Medical Researcher

The science behind medical research has been thrust into the spotlight throughout this year.    While a unified response to the covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the collaboration of governments, scientists and researchers around the world, many labs have continued to work on critical research that delivers hope to so many people suffering from life changing conditions.

While my nephew Jack was studying in Australia a few years ago, our family would receive regular updates on the progress being made as part of his medical research team in Sydney.    Now back in Scotland Jack is at the forefront of the advances being made in Genetics and Molecular Medicine at Edinburgh university.    I caught up with him to see how the researchers have had to adapt during the prolonged restrictions and what has kept him motivated during this time.

Q. How has the pandemic affected medical research & how it will be funded in future - has any focus shifted from your research to Covid?

A. For us, we need to be in the lab.  Being a scientist is about as 'hands-on' as you can get so the lockdown was really tough.  The university and independent funding bodies allow us to do our research and they have supported us during this period and going forward.  It was heartening to see such a fantastic response from scientists at the institute and across the university who put their names forward to help out with Covid testing.  A number of labs were repurposed to increase the testing capacity in Scotland, which is a testament to the versatility of the labs and the drive of the scientific community to make a difference and do our part.

Q. How have you been keeping busy away from the lab?

A. We maintained the structure of the 'working week' with regular group and individual meetings, as well as seminars (all virtually, of course).  There was plenty of data to analyse and we wrote a review, which has just recently been accepted for publication!  So we kept busy, for sure.  Away from the lab, I managed to keep fit with regular exercise and intermittent periods of healthy eating!  Trying to keep as active as possible was really important.

Q. What has been your biggest challenge?

A. Not being able to be in the same room as my family, celebrate birthdays or look forward to seeing them on a weekend has been really hard. 

Q. Where have you found strength at difficult times?

A. Myself and my partner, Alicia have gotten each other through the lockdown and subsequent restrictions.  We've been a solid unit, which has given me all the strength I need.

Q. If you could go back to March & give yourself some advice - what would it be?

A. Don't watch the news so often.

Q. What have you learned about yourself?

A. I think the same as many people, that we can go through something like this and keep on moving.  Resilience, I'd say. 

Q. Did you pick up any new skills?

A. I tried to pick up the guitar and re-teach myself.  It didn't last long.  I think my conversational skills have dwindled but I hope that'll sort itself out.

Q. What have you missed most?

A. I've missed the football.  It might not sound like the most important thing but, for me, it's everything that comes with it.   Catching up with friends and family at the stadium and pulling the match apart over a couple of beers afterwards.

Q. What will be the biggest challenge facing medical research when we start to move out of lockdown?

A. Other than finding a 'cure' for the virus?  I would say holding onto good scientists through tough times.  It is and will be a struggle across the board, in all industries and disciplines but the biggest challenge has to be keeping people employed. People's livelihoods are the most important thing.

9 Questions with Chris McQueer

I was first introduced to the works of Chris McQueer a couple of years ago when he served up a number of his short stories in the poetry club at SWG3 in Glasgow.   Since that night the Glasgow writer has gone from strength to strength with the success of his books Hings and HWFG, including a collection of these tales commissioned as short stories for BBC with Chris appearing as narrator.     Presenting the BBC documentary Noteworthy we were given an insight in Chris’s influences as he explored the changing face of bank notes and those famous mug shots who appear on them.

I caught up with Chris to talk about life during lockdown and how he has navigated through these uncertain times.

Are you working on new material?

Aye I’ve been working away on my new novel but it’s been slow going. Think I’ve been at it for two and a half years now. I thought when the lockdown was announced I’d have it finished in a few weeks with nothing else to do really but that hasn’t been the case. I’ve also been writing a weekly column for the Glasgow Times and I’ve got a couple of new short stories on the go.

How have you been keeping yourself busy?

I’ve been trying to keep busy by writing but I feel like my attention span has been shot to bits and I’m struggling to concentrate on things. I think it’s just down to reading and watching the news all the time, constantly feeding bad news into my brain to the point where it’s all I can think about. I’ve been reading a lot which provides a nice wee escape from it all, spending time with my girlfriend and trying to do as many of the things we used to do before lockdown to try and keep things feeling as normal as we can and getting out and about with the dug has been magic.

What has been your biggest challenge?

I think it’s been trying to keep myself motivated to write. Early on in lockdown, all the days sort of felt the same, the tight deadlines I’d been working to kept getting pushed back and I found I’d lost my routine and had basically no structure to my days. Trying to get out of that rut early on was a bit of a nightmare, especially when you’re feeling lonely and not able to go and see your family or your pals to cheer yourself up.

Where have you found strength at difficult times?

Me and my girlfriend both looked to each other for support through all this and sort of pulled each other through it. We both had spells where we were quite down and frustrated, a bit of cabin fever I think, but we both know how to cheer each other up and now we’re both doing a lot better.

If you could go back to March & give yourself some advice - what would it be?

I’d say to myself, ‘Get the heid doon, try and ignore everything else and finish this novel. Nae excuses. Get it done.’

What have you learned about yourself?

I think I’ve learned that I’m never really bored. There’s always something to do, somewhere to go, something to write or something to watch or read.

Did you pick up any new skills?

I got really into crosswords at the start of lockdown. Then I got really into the cryptic crosswords. I found that a really  good thing to learn, looking for the hidden meanings in the clues and all that. I taught the dug a few new tricks as well. Sadly he’s too wee to be able to go and get me a can from the fridge though.

What have you missed most?

Definitely my family. I really miss being able to cut in and see my granny and granda when I’m out and about for a cup of tea and a piece and a blether. I miss going to the pub with my mates as well, don’t think I’ll ever turn down a night out ever again.

What are your hopes for the arts when we start to move out of lockdown?

Hopefully everything will be back to the way it was before lockdown, and hopefully it’ll be even better with more people wanting to get back to going to gigs and all that. I’ve saw some discussions about the lack of funding and support people working in the arts have received and it does feel we’ve kind of been hung to dry by the government but I think a lot of people have a new found appreciation for the things we do and I think the arts will become a booming industry once again when all this is over and done.