web issue 97 wa1

gazette magazines : Successfully introducing local people - local businesses

Issue 97 Bieldside, Cults, Holburn Mid Sept - Mid Nov 2015

Free magazine

West End 1

2 www.gazettemagazines.com t : 01224 949085 e : [email protected]

Delivered bi-monthly to :6000 letterboxes in Bieldside, Broomhill, Cults, Holburn, Ashley and Woodland at Pitfodels

Ad-hoc contributions from :Helen Taylor; James Baggott; Pippa Greenwood; Jane Robinson

Distribution - thanks to : Sue; James; Freya; Mary; Benjamin; Lois; Amy; Bruce; Jessica; Sam; Abbie, Alison Mitchell and Gayle

Deadlines: Print Mid Month27 Oct - Nov/Dec30 Nov - Jan/Feb 201627 Feb - Mar/Apr27 Apr - May/Jun27 Jun - July/Aug

Bieldisde Cults Holburn

Well we certainly got a last blast of heat and now the leaves are turning and the night’s are drawing in! Get out the SAD lamps, light the fires and enjoy the ever

changing colours of Autumn.

I am building up to the start of my tenth year as a publisher! I can hardly believe it myself. There will be slight modifications to the magazine in the coming months and I do hope I’ll manage to rustle up some

competition prizes for you.

I seem to have spent an awful lot of time in August at A&E - both son’s getting hand injuries! August also brought me a third place in my dance competiton and I now sport a lovely trophy on my desk! My dance calendar is very full over the next few months and I’m not entirely sure how I am going to fit everything else in around it! I went along to the menopause evening held by Laura Walker at Circles at Mannofield. It was actually very enlightening and we had the most delicious healthy meal afterwards. Pop onto Laura’s website if you missed it and read more on her blog.

The Ferryhill have joined the 20% discount vouchers so now you have two chances to dine out until 15 November. You have to go if only to try the fish and chips and follow it with the wonderful lemon tart! You won’t be disappointed.

Refill your cuppa and read on...

Until next time, Sue

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Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you 3

Size : 124mm x 30mm Follow through with an ad inside too...Front covers are on special at £150 per magazine per issue - grab one whilst you can!

Get noticed first by grabbing our front page slotTo help kick start my tenth year as a publisher we have opened up the front page to all five magazines! A golden opportunity to capture the reader’s eye before they have even opened the magazine. Follow it through with a continuation advert inside for double momentum!

Why not phone/email/text to find out more or to book the first one? Our next deadline is 27 September for the mid Oct-mid Dec magazines to Kingswells and West End 2 (Hazlehead/Queens Cross/Mannofield). Or 27 October for the mid Nov-mid Jan magazine for this area and Deeside (Banchory/Drumoak). Front page for Christmas only available for five magazines!

Delay no further, call sue on 01224 949085 or text 07813 964 875 or email - [email protected]

We have been serving fine italian cuisine since 1977. Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall – special lunch and pre-theatre menus.

Freshly baked home mode home made pizzas with lashings of toppings. Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream sauces. Seafood, prime steaks, chicken dishes, all with that extra touch of genius which is true Italian cooking!

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www.poldinos.co.uk








www.poldinos.co.uk

A little bit of Italy...... in Little Belmont StreetWe have been serving fine italian cuisine since 1977.Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall - special lunch and pre-theatre menus.

Freshly baked home-made pizzas with lashings of toppings. Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream sauces. Seafood, prime steaks, chicken dishes, all with that extra touch of genius which is true italian cooking!

Open Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10.15pm


www.poldinos.co.ukGift

Vouchers Available

Aberdeen Orpheus Choir under their Conductor

Jane Murray with Erika Fairhead as Accompanist will hold their Carol Concert at Craigiebuckler Church on friday, 11th December at

7.30 p.m. A varied selection of Christmas Music will be performed with audience

participation in the singing of some well known carols. tickets priced £10:00 and

£8:00 for concessions (over 60's and under 16's) to include refreshments will be

available from Top Note Music Shop 123

Crown Street, Aberdeen, from Choir Members or at the door

of the Church.


Tresses that Impressby Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

BeautyWhether long, short or in-between, afro, curly, wavy or straight, our hair is one of the first things people notice about us. The right style can detract from imperfections, and tells the world a little something about our personality. It can make us more self-assured; more confident in the workplace and social situations. And, of course, it’s not just about the cut; having the right tools in your arsenal at home can make all the difference.

I have a confession – until recently I didn’t own a hairbrush. I just used my daughter’s, which is shaped like Hello Kitty, but does the job. Thankfully, now I am the proud owner of a Wet Brush, the US’s bestselling hairbrush, which detangles wet or dry hair like a dream. My daughter is also a fan, as it doesn’t pull as much, which is making mornings rather more pleasant. The Wet Brush costs £11.99 from www.cultbeauty.co.uk.

If you only make one change to your haircare regime, swap to a gentler, more natural shampoo. Most high street shampoos contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which can strip your hair of essential oils, leaving it limp and lifeless.

A gentler alternative is Green People Quinoa & Artichoke Shampoo and Conditioner (£9.95 each), which are designed to nourish and protect damaged hair. The quinoa and artichoke leaf work together to condition, minimise frizz, strengthen and protect from UV radiation.

Curly and coily haired women have cause to celebrate, with the release of Aveda Be Curly Co-Wash, £17.50, which cleanses hair, while preserving moisture and minimising frizz. The key ingredients are organic babassu

oil and baobab oil. Subrina Kidd, Aveda UK’s Textured Hair Specialist, explains,

“Regular cleansing shampoos can often leave hair looking and feeling dry and brittle – this low-lather, sulfate-free formula will refresh and revive the hair texture or curl pattern without removing necessary moisture. To avoid tangling, sub-divide the hair into four sections, massage the Co-Wash into each section, comb through and then rinse thoroughly.”

Looking for a salon-style deep conditioning treatment? Try Philip Kingsley Geranium & Neroli Elasticizer, £31.50, a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment that contains neroli, geranium, lavender, rose and orange oils. The Elasticizer has been around for a few years now, and has won numerous awards and accolades. This new version looks set to be just as successful, as it leaves hair soft, bouncy and easier to style. While you can just apply it a few minutes before showering, for best results lather it on before bed. It may seem pricey, but a little goes a long way, so you’ll get a fair few weekly treatments from each jar.

Intensive conditioning treatments tend to work best if you cover up with a shower cap. Of course, you could just pick up a simple see-through one for a couple of pounds, but how much more fun is this one from The Vintage Cosmetic Company?

Lot of brands have limited edition products out for breast cancer

awareness at the moment. One of our favourites is

Origins Pink Ribbon Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment, £19.50. It’s really rich, with extracts of Rose of Jericho and meadowfoam seed oil, so ideal for dry, dehydrated hands. What’s more, £5 from

each sale will be donated to The Breast Cancer

Research Foundation.


Gazette A5 July 2015

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A recent donation from local charity CRANES of £210,000 to the University of Aberdeen has taken the amount they

have raised for cancer research programmes in the North East of Scotland to over £2million.

Established in Aberdeen in 2003, CRANES has spent the last 12 years organising numerous events with the mission to raise funds locally in support of locally-based research into the causes of and treatments for all forms of cancer.

Gladys Sangster and fellow CRANES board member Lorraine Hunter visited the University’s Foresterhill medical and life sciences campus in May. They were greeted and thanked by Professor Emad El-Omar, Professor Mark Vickers and Dr Ian Fleming and were also gave a tour of the facilities while being informed about how their generous funding will be used.

Professor Mike Greaves, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Life Sciences & Medicine said “The funds raised by CRANES over the past 12 years have contributed to vital research at the University of Aberdeen into a number of different forms of cancer. They are being used to support a range of intensive programmes which are looking at the causes of and the personalised treatments for different cancers and this is leading to important findings at the University which have the potential to benefit generations to come. We cannot thank the CRANES committee enough for their hugely generous support.”

Gladys, who has been involved in raising money for cancer research for almost 50 years including her time with CRANES, is looking to step down from her role as Chairman of the charity and is hoping that a committed successor can be found.

Fundraising income for the University’s cancer research programmes is channelled through the University of Aberdeen Development Trust which is a registered charity. The Trust raises essential funds

to support much of the University’s activities such as vital medical research as well as supporting students through the provision of scholarships, bursaries and facilities. Funding from alumni, individuals, companies, organisations and the community is essential for the development of cancer research in Aberdeen as well as many other activities.


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Baby sensory coming soon to Kingswells and inverurieOur classes will introduce your baby to a world of sensory delights. Where the two of you can relax, have fun and share some truly special times. For ours is magical world, full of glowing balls, light shows, puppets, bubbles, rainbows, massage, signing and songs, with new activities introduced every week. Imagination is a vital part of childhood. And together we’ll dance in the snow or dive under the waves, trek through a rainforest or sing shanties with pirates.

What makes our multi-award winning programme so special is that every element is carefully designed with your baby’s development in mind. Much of our equipment and many of the songs are unique to us, and there’s decades of research built into the programme. And we feel it’s important that we share our knowledge with you, regularly explaining what we’re doing and why. For the first year of your baby’s life is one of the most important. Soon after birth the brain starts creating two million new connections every second! So we love helping you make the most of this amazing time in your baby’s life.

You can join us at any time, and we’d encourage you to begin as soon as you feel able. It’s a lovely way to make new friends, and for you to share tips and experiences at a time when you’ll probably really appreciate the support. Attending weekly classes is also great for getting out of the house; helping add some structure to a life that’s probably very different for you right now.

Whilst every session is unique, they’re structured to follow the natural play-rest-play cycle of babies. We’ve done the research; so you can enjoy the fun. To book into classes in Inverurie or Kingswells go to http://www.babysensory.com/en/ClassDetails/Aberdeencentral

Welcome to Baby Sensory Our multi-award winning classes will introduce you and your baby (or babies) to a world of sensory delights, where you can relax, spend quality time with each other and enjoy meeting other new parents.

Speci�cally designed from birth to aid your child’s development, the programme is packed with an incredible variety of sounds, smells, sights, textures, music, dance, signing and massage – and you’ll never experience the same class twice.

www.babysensory.com

www.babysensory.com

Monday Classes Held In Inverurie Tuesday Classes Held In Kingswells

Call: [email protected]

www.facebook.com/babysensoryaberdeencentral

Welcome to Baby SensoryOur multi-award winning classes for babies from 0 to 13 months, will introduce you and your baby

(or babies) to a world of sensory delights, where you can relax, spend quality time

with each other and enjoy meeting other new parents.

The Members of Aberdeen Orpheus Choir and their Conductor, Jane Murray very much look forward to this coming year,

being the 60th Anniversary of the formation of the Choir. Practices begin on Wednesday, 26th August at 7.15 p.m. in the Lounge of Crown terrace Baptist Church, Windmill Lane, Aberdeen firstly for our popular Carol Concert then our 60th Anniversary Summer Concert where a very interesting programme is being planned for the 27th May, 2016. We have managed to secure the services of Bob Chilcott, well known choral Conductor and composer to run a choral workshop on Saturday, 28th May and he will be our guest at our Summer Concert. Both of these events will be held in Queens Cross Church.There are a few vacancies in all sections of the Choir and if you are interested in choral singing, can read music and wish to join a very friendly Choir, telephone Jane on 07967926758 or email [email protected] to arrange an audition.


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Halloween Macaroons

For the ultimate Halloween sweet treat why not have a go at making a batch of French Macaroons?

Ingredients:

• 230g icing sugar, sifted

• 75g ground almonds

• 2 large egg whites• 50g caster sugar• Orange and black

food colouring gel• 55g unsalted butter,

softened• � tsp vanilla

extract

Makes 16

Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling

TIPThe filled macaroons will keep in an airtight box in the fridge for 2-3 days. Stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

1. Place half the icing sugar and all the ground almonds in a food processor and process for 30 seconds, or until fine and powdery. Sift the mixture into a mixing bowl, discarding any tiny pieces of almonds left in the sieve. Set aside.

2. Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until softly peaking. Gradually whisk in the caster sugar, to make a firm and glossy meringue. Whisk in enough of the orange food colouring gel to colour the meringue deep orange.

3. Fold one third of the icing sugar mixture into the meringue using a spatula. Repeat with another third of the mixture. Finally add the last third and continue to cut and fold the mixture until it forms a shiny and thick batter that falls in a slow ribbon when the spatula is lifted.

4. Line 2 large baking sheets with baking paper. Spoon the mixture into a large piping bag fitted with a 1cm plain piping nozzle. Pipe 32 discs of the mixture onto the baking sheets, each with a diameter of 3cm. Lift the nozzle at the top of half the piped discs to create a small point. Leave for 30 minutes to allow the macaroons to dry and form a slight crust. Preheat the oven to 160°C / Fan 140°C / Gas Mark 3.

5. Bake, one sheet at a time for 10-15 minutes, or until the macaroons have a crisp shell and the frilly bases don’t stick when gently lifted from the paper. Leave on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

6. To decorate, dip the tip of a fine paintbrush into the black food colouring gel and paint pumpkin faces on the 16 pointed macaroons.

7. To make the filling, beat the butter, remaining icing sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Place all the undecorated macaroon shells flat-side up on a board. Pipe a small mound of the buttercream onto each shell then gently sandwich together with a decorated shell, pressing down gently.

Cake and Bake


fabulous nails for the party season...

Brillbird 85 Leadside RoadContact Beat: 07412 547 529

[Type text]

Grampian Decorative and Fine Arts Society

2015- 2016 Programme

The new GDFAS season, offers a cornucopia of enthralling and varied lectures with intriguing titles and liberally illustrated with dazzling photographs. We warmly welcome all existing members and would be delighted to see visitors who, having come once, won’t be able to resist coming back for more. Please join us for a glass of wine or a soft drink at 6.45, prior to the lecture, which begins at 7.30. Visitors are requested to make a £5 donation.

2015

September 9 The Art of the Vikings October 14 Secret Art in the Passport – how we use it to fox the forger November 11 AGM followed by:- Agregation Art in the Great War. How the impact of the Great War has shaped Modern Art. December 2 The Cuisine of Art and the Art of Cuisine. The art, anecdotes and recipes of artists who loved their food.

2016

January 13 Scotland’s Ruined Castles: rescued, rebuilt and re-occupied February 10 Beautiful British Book Binding. The Whole Art of the Book March 9 William Hogarth 1697-1764 April 13 Easter Island. What really happened? May 11 Fundraiser. Earlier start of 6.30. Followed by:- Artistic Therapy. How art projects can be potentially life-changing for offenders. June 8 Constable’s Paintings – Experiments and Innovations

The venue is The Faculty of Health & Social Care, Robert Gordon’s University, Garthdee Road. From the Bridge of Dee, take the first left out of the roundabout along Garthdee Road. At the second set of lights after Sainsbury’s, turn left on to the RGU Campus and bear right at the first junction. There are a number of car parks on the campus, some of which may involve a few minutes walk, so allow time for parking. For more information please ring Alison on 01224 869639 or Thyra on 01224 481278 or check the GDFAS website.

the favourite pieces of art work voted for during the MBC Art Exhibition at the Phoenix Hall, Newton Dee

Winter Sunrise (wallhanging) by Jane AppelbeePerkin Beach W.A by Trisha RitchiePoppies at Dusk by Sandie Youngson

Craigiebuckler Craft fairOnce again Craigiebuckler Church on

Springfield Road is holding a Christmas Craft fair on saturday 24th October between 10am

and 4pm. A chance to browse and do some early Christmas

Shopping. Entry is free. Enjoy morning coffee and a rowie or meet up with friends

for a quiet chat over a cup of afternoon tea with scones and tray bakes. Further details at www.craigiebuckler.org.uk.


You know, I've been working within the fitness industry for nearly 20 years now. Some would say for that length of time I could be classed as an expert. But I think the longer you stay with something the more you realise how little you know. But the one thing that does confuse me is why the fitness industry has aligned itself with weight loss instead of health. So much so that recently, when I was introduced to someone and I was asked 'what do you do, do you work?' I said yes I'm a fitness instructor, to which the reply was 'Oh, I need to lose some weight, have you got any ideas how to shift this belly?' As the person sucks in the tummy to make it look smaller! At this point I thought about what I said, I'm sure I said I was a fitness instructor not a nutritionist!

I have a BIG bee in my bonnet about exercise classes meaning we are all watching our weight. Exercise classes should be all about our health. Although body weight and total amount of body fat is part of our health just because a person may be 'fat' does not necessarily mean we are unhealthy and similarly just because someone is 'thin' they are healthy. Being active is about keeping the health of the body, and slowing down the biological ageing process as the chronological ageing process continues. Getting out of breath as you walk keeps your heart strong. Exercising with weight keeps the muscle strength and the bone density. As we age so hormone depletion affect muscle ability to stay working efficiently and depletes the strength of the bone. As we age so health conditions affect our ability to exercise. But it means we have to exercise differently not give it up completely.

Fitness for weight loss or strength?


Being overweight is ultimately down to over eating. I am testament to that. For my first 10 years in the industry I taught 20 exercise sessions a week but was 4 stone overweight. 20 hours a week of physical activity, a combination of aerobic, strength and yoga classes, not to mention looking after a young family, could not enable me to be slim and healthy. No amount of exercise will overcome an unhealthy diet. I proved that! I then changed what I put in my mouth and weight loss happened. Once I started to eat a health balanced nutritious diet the exceed pounds dropped off and I have managed to keep most of them off. (With the exception of Christmas and holiday periods!)

The question that is usually asked of people, when undertaking any task or job is 'Are you fit for it?' The 'fit' is applicable to your health not your weight. So a rugby player would not be able to compete with a sprinter on a track, that's just down to physics, but they are both 'fit' to do their job. Exercise can certainly have an effect on the amount of body composition, the combination of fat and lean muscle within the body but it might not necessarily mean the body would be lighter in weight. Just as the rugby player is physically bigger than

the sprinter, but he is by no means 'fat'. So the next time you think of exercise ask yourself have I raised my heart rate this week through activity? How healthy is my heart? How strong are my bones?

If you need advice with any of this I'm here to help. Exercise for your health to stay healthy and active.

Words: Laura Walker Ltd

More advice and info: [email protected]

Pilates ClassesSquash clubMonday & WednesdayTimetable & booking: www.PrimeMoverPathway.co.ukM: 07773 021 851


As Northeast faces Difficult times folks need to look after their mental health

Your mental health is as important as your physical health and we, particularly men don’t give our wellbeing the attention it deserves.

Your body is like a modern car, it needs well looked after, fuelled and used regularly to keep the system at optimum efficiency: again you might say that is all well and good when things are running along fine in my life but when there are problems you need to cut costs and the service and long runs are often the first to go.

As job losses mount across the oil & gas sector with the inevitable impact on the wider economy, I attended the recent Oil and Gas employment event at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen. I was struck by the number of people who told me their exercise regime was the first thing to go when the work routine ended. I can understand why people do this as the main focus shifts from a balanced life to a headlong rush to the job pages on the internet. Just when our body needs the benefit of regular exercise to help control stress, circumstances force us to do the opposite. Some people also spoke of the tendency to become isolated and lose vital connections with other people. If you are unfortunate to have lost your job you have probably moved from a busy interactive environment to one where you are in the house most of the day, probably on your own sitting at the computer and before you know it its evening

and the day has gone. Of course this can have a knock-on effect on friends and family who are also affected by insecurity in the jobs market.

Your mental health is affected by everything and everyone you have contact with. That means everything in your life can have a positive or negative effect on your mental health or emotional well being.

Reducing stress is probably the most important (and difficult) challenge when unemployed or facing redundancy. Here are some tips on keeping stress under control and hopefully getting through what for some will be the biggest upheaval in their lives:

Eat well - a good balanced diet will make sure you have all the essential nutrients needed for your body and mind to function well.

Get Active – regular physical activity has been proven to have a positive effect on your mental health and wellbeing. It doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon; 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least 3 times a week will help you feel good about yourself.

Stay connected - it’s important to stay connected with friends and family, especially if you’re feeling down. Even if it’s just having a chat over a cuppa, talking can help lift your mood.

Do something you are good at and enjoy - we all have talents in different areas. Find time to play a round of golf or read a book to take your mind off your situation.

Find time to Relax - relaxation exercises are a good way to reduce stress.

Whilst these tips can make a difference there are times when we need extra help to get through and that’s fine. Hopefully the message is getting out that its ok to ask for help, even for men to say they need someone to talk to. If you find it’s difficult to talk to someone close to you like your partner or other family member talk to someone you can trust. It’s unlikely they will be able to solve your problems but the very fact you have spoken to someone who is willing to listen will make you feel better. If you find you would rather talk to someone you don’t know that’s fine too and very natural: organisations


The EventThe dinner will be held on Saturday 26th September 2015 at Ardoe House Hotel, Aberdeen.

Timings for the event are: 7 for 7.30pm until 12.30am. There will be a military presence. The after dinner speaker will be Baroness Annabel Goldie, known for her dry and witty sense of humour and there will also be surprise entertainment.

The tables are priced at £1000 for ten guests, I am able to o� er individual tickets at £110 per ticket. The Dinner will consist of a three course meal with wine on the table and a drinks reception.

The ABF the Soldiers CharityThe ABF is the Army’s National charity founded in 1944 this is the � rst port of call for those in need. ABF The Soldiers’ Charity are for soldiers, for life. They provide � nancial assistance to all soldiers and their families when in need. Even when a soldier leaves the Army they are still part of their family and eligible for help. The scope of their work is huge. Half of their money is given direct to individuals to help in areas such as debt relief, mobility assistance, education bursaries, care home fees and respite breaks The other half is given as grants to other Scottish charities, for example Erskine, Combat Stress, Blesma, Poppy Scotland to name a few.

Please contact: Catherine Robertson Ross [email protected] Tel 07879854927

Event sponsorship is also available to those wishing to make a larger contribution

Sgt Gary Jamieson (Scots Guard)

[Gary stood on an IED which took both his legs and an arm, The Soldiers Charity were able to help him adapt his home and help him with adaptions to his car.]

Debt of Gratitude Dinner26 September 2015

at Ardoe House Hotel, Aberdeen

Debt of Gratitude Dinner FF.indd 1 4/28/2015 10:39:27 AM

like the Samaritans are there 24hrs a day, every day just to listen if you want to talk; they can be contacted on:

08457 90 90 90

they will not even ask your name or where your calling from. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to them on the phone, you can email them on:

[email protected]

you will always get an answer.

If you find that things have really got on top of you and you need to speak to a professional but don’t wish to visit your Doctor you can always phone Breathing Space. They are part of NHS 24 and are experienced in giving advice and help on matters concerning your mental wellbeing. They can even arrange for you to be given further help on the phone and everything is confidential. They can be contacted on:

0800 83 85 87 (Mon-Thurs: 6pm-2am, Fri- Mon: 6pm-6am)

It is really important people are aware of the help available through organisations like Breathing Space and Samaritans. It really is ok to ask for help.

Lastly, if you live in Aberdeen you can access support from Penumbra who run a 1st Response service for people with mental health problems and need immediate short term support. You can phone them on:

0333 444 0324

Neil MurrayScottish Association for Mental Health

Photo CaptionNeil Murray (left) with Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator


How can you update your property to keep you snug and cosy – without paying huge energy bills? Is it even possible? Well, yes. A few simple measures – we are not talking wind turbines and solar panels – can make an enormous difference, says Katherine Sorrell.

Step One – Get to know your homeWhat is your home made from? How was it originally built, and what changes, if any, have been made to it over the years? Getting to know what is going on inside and outside your four walls will make it easier to work out how you can eco-improve the property.

Step Two – What are its weak points?It may already be obvious what problems need solving. Rattling, draughty windows, gaps around the edges of the front door, heat escaping through the roof, perhaps. For more specifics, however, it could be helpful to commission a professional test for air tightness and heat loss. Best done on a cold, clear winter’s night (so try to plan ahead), it is non-invasive and shouldn’t cost a great deal more than around £300. The results will

demonstrate exactly where you have the most serious problems, helping you to target improvements where they are most needed.

Step Three – The loftAlthough there is no one-size-fits-all solution, your loft will often be the top priority for eco-improvement. Marianne Suhr, historic buildings surveyor and co-author of Old House Eco Handbook (Frances Lincoln, £30), recommends laying 300mm of quilt insulation – but points out that it is important to retain some form of ventilation in the space in order to avoid condensation. There is a range of insulation materials on offer at varying prices, but she says that if you can afford natural materials, such as sheep’s wool or hemp, they tend to be better

for older properties, as they have the ability to absorb water vapour and release it. And, she adds, check your loft regularly for signs of condensation, mould and small animals.Step Four - WindowsYour windows can leak out a lot of heat, especially if they are old and single glazed. Short of double glazing, good draught proofing is the answer. Those DIY self-adhesive strips are only a temporary measure; for a longer-term solution you will need to cut in a rebate and fit either compression seals (hinged windows) or wipers (sashes). Alternatively, if you don’t open your windows often, secondary glazing will dramatically improve both air tightness and heat loss through the glass. There are plenty of different options, including clear panels that simply fix to the window frame with a slim magnetic strip, which are unobtrusive and easy to remove. Or there are two old-fashioned methods: thick, lined curtains, hung close to the wall so draughts can’t creep around the edges; or timber shutters, which have been demonstrated to be even more effective than double glazing. Step Five: DoorsDo your external doors fit well in their frames? If not, it can have a negative impact on your home’s energy efficiency. To make them airtight, adjust as necessary for a good fit, add draught proofing (as for windows) and cover keyholes, letter slots and cat flaps. You might even want to pop a good old ‘sausage dog’ along the bottom edge, or hang a long, thick curtain from a hinged rod.

Step Six: FloorsSurprisingly, it’s actually a good thing to have wind whistling below your suspended timber floor, the reason being that it will evaporate moisture from the timber and supporting structures and keep your home nice and dry. So don’t block up the air grilles on the outside walls. Instead, to make the floor itself as airtight as possible, a fitted carpet with a thermal underlay is perfect, or – if you prefer timber boards – seal gaps around the skirting boards with foam strips, a bead of silicon mastic or slivers of matching timber. If the boards have gaps, experts recommend fillets of balsa wood or lengths of string, which you can stain, glue and push into place relatively easily. And, if you can get below the boards (via a cellar or crawl space), or are planning to lift them, it’s a great idea to add insulation underneath.

Step Seven: WallsIt is usually pretty straightforward to insulate modern cavity walls; older, solid walls, however, are more of a problem, and experts don’t always agree on the best way to go about it. Modern systems may trap moisture and cause damp, but one good option is to add timber panelling inside, leaving an air gap behind. If you are planning major works, it may be possible to add external or internal insulation at the same time, but be sure to get impartial advice. Quick Tips• Consider installing shutters. A

test by Glasgow Caledonian University found that well-fitted timber shutters reduced heat loss by 60% (they are good for sound insulation and security too). To work most efficiently, they should meet with a rebated edge and include a brush strip or rubber seal.

• A thick rug will help to reduce draughts through gaps in floorboards.

• Adding a pelmet to a window treatment can help to reduce draughts and stop warm air disappearing down the back of your curtains or blind.

• When radiators are placed below windows, their heat can disappear more easily, especially when there is a curtain hanging over them – as it simply directs heat up and behind, rather than into the room. Consider moving radiators to internal walls.

Main Image - Adding a portiere rod is a great way to insulate a draughty exterior door. Hang heavy, floor-length curtains,

ensuring that there is enough stack-back space for the door to be opened

easily. If possible, use an insulating lining and heavy fleece interlining

– bearing in mind that the pole will need to be able to support the weight. 12mm self-closing button portiere in beeswax,

from £44.10, Jim Lawrence, 01473 826685; www.jim-lawrence.co.uk.

Home & InteriorsEco Homes By Katherine Sorrell


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How can you update your property to keep you snug and cosy – without paying huge energy bills? Is it even possible? Well, yes. A few simple measures – we are not talking wind turbines and solar panels – can make an enormous difference, says Katherine Sorrell.

Step One – Get to know your homeWhat is your home made from? How was it originally built, and what changes, if any, have been made to it over the years? Getting to know what is going on inside and outside your four walls will make it easier to work out how you can eco-improve the property.

Step Two – What are its weak points?It may already be obvious what problems need solving. Rattling, draughty windows, gaps around the edges of the front door, heat escaping through the roof, perhaps. For more specifics, however, it could be helpful to commission a professional test for air tightness and heat loss. Best done on a cold, clear winter’s night (so try to plan ahead), it is non-invasive and shouldn’t cost a great deal more than around £300. The results will

demonstrate exactly where you have the most serious problems, helping you to target improvements where they are most needed.

Step Three – The loftAlthough there is no one-size-fits-all solution, your loft will often be the top priority for eco-improvement. Marianne Suhr, historic buildings surveyor and co-author of Old House Eco Handbook (Frances Lincoln, £30), recommends laying 300mm of quilt insulation – but points out that it is important to retain some form of ventilation in the space in order to avoid condensation. There is a range of insulation materials on offer at varying prices, but she says that if you can afford natural materials, such as sheep’s wool or hemp, they tend to be better

for older properties, as they have the ability to absorb water vapour and release it. And, she adds, check your loft regularly for signs of condensation, mould and small animals.Step Four - WindowsYour windows can leak out a lot of heat, especially if they are old and single glazed. Short of double glazing, good draught proofing is the answer. Those DIY self-adhesive strips are only a temporary measure; for a longer-term solution you will need to cut in a rebate and fit either compression seals (hinged windows) or wipers (sashes). Alternatively, if you don’t open your windows often, secondary glazing will dramatically improve both air tightness and heat loss through the glass. There are plenty of different options, including clear panels that simply fix to the window frame with a slim magnetic strip, which are unobtrusive and easy to remove. Or there are two old-fashioned methods: thick, lined curtains, hung close to the wall so draughts can’t creep around the edges; or timber shutters, which have been demonstrated to be even more effective than double glazing. Step Five: DoorsDo your external doors fit well in their frames? If not, it can have a negative impact on your home’s energy efficiency. To make them airtight, adjust as necessary for a good fit, add draught proofing (as for windows) and cover keyholes, letter slots and cat flaps. You might even want to pop a good old ‘sausage dog’ along the bottom edge, or hang a long, thick curtain from a hinged rod.

Step Six: FloorsSurprisingly, it’s actually a good thing to have wind whistling below your suspended timber floor, the reason being that it will evaporate moisture from the timber and supporting structures and keep your home nice and dry. So don’t block up the air grilles on the outside walls. Instead, to make the floor itself as airtight as possible, a fitted carpet with a thermal underlay is perfect, or – if you prefer timber boards – seal gaps around the skirting boards with foam strips, a bead of silicon mastic or slivers of matching timber. If the boards have gaps, experts recommend fillets of balsa wood or lengths of string, which you can stain, glue and push into place relatively easily. And, if you can get below the boards (via a cellar or crawl space), or are planning to lift them, it’s a great idea to add insulation underneath.

Step Seven: WallsIt is usually pretty straightforward to insulate modern cavity walls; older, solid walls, however, are more of a problem, and experts don’t always agree on the best way to go about it. Modern systems may trap moisture and cause damp, but one good option is to add timber panelling inside, leaving an air gap behind. If you are planning major works, it may be possible to add external or internal insulation at the same time, but be sure to get impartial advice. Quick Tips• Consider installing shutters. A

test by Glasgow Caledonian University found that well-fitted timber shutters reduced heat loss by 60% (they are good for sound insulation and security too). To work most efficiently, they should meet with a rebated edge and include a brush strip or rubber seal.

• A thick rug will help to reduce draughts through gaps in floorboards.

• Adding a pelmet to a window treatment can help to reduce draughts and stop warm air disappearing down the back of your curtains or blind.

• When radiators are placed below windows, their heat can disappear more easily, especially when there is a curtain hanging over them – as it simply directs heat up and behind, rather than into the room. Consider moving radiators to internal walls.

Main Image - Adding a portiere rod is a great way to insulate a draughty exterior door. Hang heavy, floor-length curtains,

ensuring that there is enough stack-back space for the door to be opened

easily. If possible, use an insulating lining and heavy fleece interlining

– bearing in mind that the pole will need to be able to support the weight. 12mm self-closing button portiere in beeswax,

from £44.10, Jim Lawrence, 01473 826685; www.jim-lawrence.co.uk.

Home & InteriorsEco Homes By Katherine Sorrell

interior / exterior /plastering/water damagefixed price quotations - no VAT19 Craigiebuckler Placetel : 01224 - 316898 mob : 07711 120 217

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Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

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21 15 8 14 11 15

7 3 20R

20 13 2 11 8 8 11 10 6

12T

22 6 12 7

4 20 24 12 22 7 24 26 5 15 15 10

11 4 15 3 24 18

4 3 11 9 26 8 19 12 10 19 24 20

5 24 22 22 22 10


mcgregor garrowA R C H I T E C T S

Are you thinking of embarking on a construction project?

McGregor Garrow Architects can guide you through all stages of a project, from conception to completion, with their expertise in new build, extension and refurbishment projects.

Whether the project is large or small, the aim is always the same, to develop a strong relationship with the client in order to deliver a project which meets, or exceeds, the initial brief.

Having worked with a network of design team members and contractors they have the team in place in order to assist you with any project.

What makes them different?

- Ability to turn projects around quickly, while offering a high quality of service and design. - They listen and work with clients to develop the brief to ensure client gets what they are looking for and provide innovative design solutions. - Strong workforce capable of taking on a range of projects; from internal alterations to new build projects in both the domestic and commercial sectors. - They use the latest computer software to prepare rendered visualisations to provide clients with a vision of what their finished project could look like from the outset.

Established in 2013, and with many completed projects and recommendations from highly satisfied customers, McGregor Garrow Architects are a company on the up!


One of the services McGregor Garrow Architects provide is a Feasibility Study. Once they have met with you and carried out the initial Consultation, this is typically the first stage of the project and includes:- measurement survey, existing drawings, design proposals, 3D visualisations, and overall project cost estimations.

By establishing the design and estimated costs early in the process, clients can proceed onto the Planning, Building Warrant, Tender and Construction stages with confidence.

So if you have a project which you are considering, and wish to discuss, McGregor Garrow Architects would be happy to hear from you.

Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION on 01224 945880Visit our website www.mcgregorgarrow.co.uk

Left: Rendered visualisation of new house.Above: Internal visualisation.Right: Recently completed dental practice.

Photograph by www.stevengwalkerphotography.com


Are you surrounded, engulfed and swamped with huge quantities of fallen leaves? Whether they come from trees in your own garden or from a neighbour, the deluge of leaves that falls in autumn is often enough to get level headed, tree-loving gardeners eyeing up chainsaws!

At this time of year most of us are feeling as if we are being buried alive by falling leaves. Yes, the vast majority of leaves that are dropping from our own and our neighbours’ trees are pretty enough, and for a while their bright reds, yellows and oranges look stunning both on and off the tree. The problem is that it seems as if there is a virtually endless supply of them and after that initial flurry of pretty colour, the positive feeling soon starts to diminish.

Leaves that are allowed to build up in your garden can cause problems - on the lawn they smother the turf grasses, often causing patches of die back, largely due to lack of light and oxygen. If the crowns of

the less tough herbaceous perennials or alpines are covered in a soggy blanket of leaves, they too start to deteriorate. So, like it or not, you need to do something - and the sooner you get started the better!

A spring-tined rake is perfect for raking leaves off the lawn, and can even work quite well on a gravel drive (provided you don’t rake too deeply and end up ploughing up the stones too!). If you have a lot of lawn or a lot of leaves (or worse still, a big lawn and lots of leaves too) then the easiest way to deal with them is to mow the lawn. Provided you keep the hopper or grass-collector on the mower, when you empty it out you’ll have a fantastic mix of grass clippings and chopped leaves. On beds and borders you’ll usually end up hand picking, or if time and energy is in short supply you could invest in a leaf vacuum or a leaf blower (and this can, of course, be used on most drives and paths, and lawns too).

Great, so you spend a lot of time and effort collecting

up all these leaves. Then what? Don’t take them to the tip or make a bonfire: make leaf mould. It is as easy as anything and makes a fantastic soil mulch or conditioner…for free!

Leaves are best rotted down on their own (they take longer to decompose than the rest of the stuff in your compost heap and need less air and warmth), so make yourself a simple and inexpensive leaf mould bin. Just drive four stakes into the ground to make the corners of a square, and then attach chicken mesh around the outside to make a cage. Stack the leaves in, tread or firm them, add some water if they are dry, then more water if the weather remains dry…and then leave them be. If you can chop larger or tougher leaves (like horse chestnut) up first, they’ll rot down much faster - either mow them with the lawnmower or ‘chop’ them with a sharp spade. It is worth avoiding very spiky leaves (the spines seem to withstand rotting and get you later!), and any that are very leathery and tough - mainly

Leaf Litter

by Pippa Greenwood


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call george williams for excellent service

Are you surrounded, engulfed and swamped with huge quantities of fallen leaves? Whether they come from trees in your own garden or from a neighbour, the deluge of leaves that falls in autumn is often enough to get level headed, tree-loving gardeners eyeing up chainsaws!

At this time of year most of us are feeling as if we are being buried alive by falling leaves. Yes, the vast majority of leaves that are dropping from our own and our neighbours’ trees are pretty enough, and for a while their bright reds, yellows and oranges look stunning both on and off the tree. The problem is that it seems as if there is a virtually endless supply of them and after that initial flurry of pretty colour, the positive feeling soon starts to diminish.

Leaves that are allowed to build up in your garden can cause problems - on the lawn they smother the turf grasses, often causing patches of die back, largely due to lack of light and oxygen. If the crowns of

the less tough herbaceous perennials or alpines are covered in a soggy blanket of leaves, they too start to deteriorate. So, like it or not, you need to do something - and the sooner you get started the better!

A spring-tined rake is perfect for raking leaves off the lawn, and can even work quite well on a gravel drive (provided you don’t rake too deeply and end up ploughing up the stones too!). If you have a lot of lawn or a lot of leaves (or worse still, a big lawn and lots of leaves too) then the easiest way to deal with them is to mow the lawn. Provided you keep the hopper or grass-collector on the mower, when you empty it out you’ll have a fantastic mix of grass clippings and chopped leaves. On beds and borders you’ll usually end up hand picking, or if time and energy is in short supply you could invest in a leaf vacuum or a leaf blower (and this can, of course, be used on most drives and paths, and lawns too).

Great, so you spend a lot of time and effort collecting

up all these leaves. Then what? Don’t take them to the tip or make a bonfire: make leaf mould. It is as easy as anything and makes a fantastic soil mulch or conditioner…for free!

Leaves are best rotted down on their own (they take longer to decompose than the rest of the stuff in your compost heap and need less air and warmth), so make yourself a simple and inexpensive leaf mould bin. Just drive four stakes into the ground to make the corners of a square, and then attach chicken mesh around the outside to make a cage. Stack the leaves in, tread or firm them, add some water if they are dry, then more water if the weather remains dry…and then leave them be. If you can chop larger or tougher leaves (like horse chestnut) up first, they’ll rot down much faster - either mow them with the lawnmower or ‘chop’ them with a sharp spade. It is worth avoiding very spiky leaves (the spines seem to withstand rotting and get you later!), and any that are very leathery and tough - mainly

Leaf Litter

by Pippa Greenwood

evergreens such as holly, laurel and camellia, or those from sycamore and plane. If you want to speed the process up you can add a leaf mould activator, which is available from garden centres.

If space, time or money is short then you can also make leaf mould in a bin liner or other bag. Choose a good quality bin liner - not a really thin one - and cram it full of leaves, again adding water and/or activator if you wish. Then stab a few holes in the bag with a garden fork, loosely fold over the top and weigh it down with a brick. Bin liners full of leaves can be hidden anywhere that you have the space - perhaps behind the shed, garage or greenhouse. If you don’t like

the idea of black plastic, then there are now some lovely jute mesh bags which can be crammed full of leaves and act as a perfect container whilst the leaf mould is forming, but will eventually rot down and add to the useful material you produce. You can see these on my website www.pippagreenwood.com/products.

Whichever method you use you should have a useable product in 12-18 months, but leave it a bit longer and it will be even better!

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for

gorgeous gardening things including the unique ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - you choose the vegetables you’d like to grow and Pippa sends garden-ready plants as well as weekly advice and tips emails to you. Plus Nemaslug, signed books, jute composting bags and lots more besides.


Go nuts about afternoon tea in the Cairngorms – the birds and red squirrels certainly do!

From castle to carriage, mountain to moorland, the settings are every bit as irresistible as the indulgent home bakes served with afternoon tea across the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland.

With the area being renowned for its abundance of wildlife, it’s no surprise that birds and squirrels dine well too.

The Potting Shed and Tea Room at Inschriach takes care of all creatures great and small – visitors can choose from the most fantastic selection of home-made cakes while birds and squirrels tuck into their treats at a feeding platform, which makes a great spectacle.

The bustling feeding station is a sight to behold and attracts a whole array of birds, and the occasional red squirrel, who munch their way through an astonishing tonne of bird food every year.

The splendour of the Queen’s Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle on Royal Deeside, never fails to impress, and from Easter to early August the castle and grounds are open to the public. The coffee shop serves an impressive range of delicious delicacies - a treat fit for royalty. Enjoy savoury nibbles, freshly cut sandwiches, cream scones, handmade pancakes and homemade traybakes served with your choice of hot or cold drinks.

Fancy going up in the world in your pursuit of an afternoon refreshment? The Ptarmigan Restaurant on CairnGorm Mountain is the highest restaurant in the UK, offering great panoramic views down to Loch Morlich and across to Ben Nevis

and Ben Hope. Not only is the outlook refreshing, this informal restaurant has a selection of delicious freshly made cakes and pastries from its in-house bakery to accompany its hot and cold drinks.

Over 200 years ago, the wild, rugged landscape of the Braes of Glenlivet made it a centre for illicit whisky making; nowadays it’s strictly above board and its malt is renowned all over the world. As well as a tour and dram at the Glenlivet Distillery Visitor Centre, you can enjoy teas, coffees and eats at its Old Maltings Coffee Shop, in particular its far-famed whisky cake. The coffee shop has achieved Visit Scotland's ‘Taste our Best’ Award.

The Cairngorms National Park is an area not only of spectacular landscapes and rich heritage but also as a place where excellent food and drink is grown, reared and produced. Local produce is the signature of Taste – Braemar which strives to use local ingredients wherever possible. That, combined with friendly service, relaxed surroundings and the option to order and take away its home-made sponges, means you can repeat – or share – a real flavour of the area.

Take to the rails and watch the stunning scenery pass by while taking tea on board a stream train. The Strathspey Steam Railway afternoon tea in its carriages is just one of the many special dining experiences it offers.

Indulge yourself at Rocksalt and Snails in Ballater which offers all the favourite coffees, teas and cakes, and a warm and friendly welcome is guaranteed. Its selection is likely to prove irresistible.

The Cairngorms is landlocked, so it may


Find the names of words associated with halloween in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

Halloween

ApplesBatsCandleCandyCemeteryCoffin CostumeDraculaGhostsGhoulsGoblinsMaskMummyNightPumpkin

ScreamSkeletonSkullSpidersVampire

WerewolfWitchesZombie

come as a surprise that it has sandy beaches…and on the shores of Loch Morlich, at The Boathouse Café you can treat yourself to a tempting selection of refreshments and homebakes. The café is situated on the kilometre-long beach at the foot of

Cairngorm Mountain, offering splendid views over the water.

With 2015 being Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink it’s a real chance to celebrate the Cairngorm’s fantastic natural larder and exceptional landscapes, people and culture that make it so unique.

The Cairngorm National Park is in the heart of Scotland and is easy to reach. It has been listed as one of the top 20 places to visit in the world by the National Geographic Traveller Magazine.

For further information about all there is to see and do in Cairngorms National Park, visit www.visitcairngorms.com

Factbox:the Potting shed and tea room at Inschriach, Aviemore. 01540 651 287Ptarmigan restaurant, CairnGorm Mountain, Aviemore. 01479 861336Glenlivet Distillery Visitor Centre, Glenlivet Ballindalloch. 01340 821 720Balmoral Castle, Balmoral Estates, Ballater . 01339 742534taste Coffee shop, Airlie House, Braemar. 013397 41425strathspey steam railway, Aviemore Station, Aviemore. 01479 810 725.rocksalt and snails, 2 Bridge Street, Ballater. 07834 452583the Boathouse Café, Loch Morlich Watersports Café, Glenmore Forest Park, Aviemore. 01479 861221


Wordsearch Entry - WiN a reflexology session Complete the wordsearch overleaf and find the missing phrase Fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to gazette magazines, WEG1-i97 22 St Ronan’s Dv, Peterculter, Aberdeen AB14 0RA - alternatively scan and send to [email protected]

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Name: ................................................................................ Tel: .......................................................

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Buy directly from the crafter

Christmas Craft Fair

Airyhall Community Centre Saturday, 21 November 201511am - 4pmPhotography, cards, textiles, jewellery, glass and more

Free Entry

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&snacks

e: [email protected]

Coming Soon! Banchory & District Men’s Shed

With a workshop and social area, you will be able to come along and use or develop skills, or just socialise.

Men, 18 and over, with time on their hands are welcome.

Location at:‐ Legion Scotland, Ramsay Road, Banchory.

For more details email:‐ [email protected]

or telephone:‐ 01330 538225

Visit Scottish Men’s Shed Association: www.scottishmsa.org.uk

Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) SC045943


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Let’s introduce you to ...Eric Davidson is an Aberdeen author, living in Craigiebuckler and trying to raise his profile with regard to the novels he has written and self-published to Amazon Kindle. The first three were a connected story, set in 1906 Aberdeen and spread over the months of September, October and November. The fourth and only recently published novel, moves away from Aberdeen and deals with a fictional Military Intelligence Section, known as MILO and situated in London in 1971. Eric is already in the process of writing the second MILO novel.

All of Eric’s books can be accessed through Amazon and portions read free of charge. So let’s take this opportunity to support our local writer. Obviously the hardest part of self-publishing is getting known and to that end, Eric would welcome any support that he can get.


Knowing how to deal with debt, and understanding the options available, can relieve some of the pressure when creditors are relentlessly pursuing you for money. A range of formal debt solutions exists in England and Wales that consolidate your debt down to a single monthly payment.

They can help you to avoid bankruptcy, and although remaining on your credit file for six years, allow you to make a fresh start once repaid. A licensed Insolvency Practitioner (IP) is often appointed to negotiate with creditors on your behalf, and ensure that the debt solutions are administered correctly.

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)An IVA is legally binding and usually lasts for around five years. Your appointed IP will negotiate terms with all unsecured creditors, 75% of whom have to agree to the IVA before it can go ahead. Who might use it?This solution is intended for people with unsecured debts. These might include credit card bills, personal loans, overdrafts and store card arrears, but would not involve secured borrowing against an asset such as a house or car.

Advantages• Interest and charges are

frozen• Creditors cannot chase you

for payment• No legal action can be taken

against you• Once repaid, your remaining

debts are written offDisadvantages• An IVA remains on your credit

file for six years from its start date

• Your job may be affected • If you miss payments,

your creditors may enforce bankruptcy

• Costs for an IVA can be high, often around £4,000, and form part of your monthly instalment

Debt Relief Order (DRO)Debt Relief Orders are intended for people with minimal assets and a low income. They offer relief from creditor pressure for a period of time, generally 12 months, and are negotiated on your behalf by a licensed IP.Who might use it?If your debts are less than £15,000 and you don’t own your own home, a DRO might be suitable. Also, your assets should total less than £300, with residual income being £50 or less. A DRO currently costs £90.It’s worth noting that the

eligibility criteria for a DRO changes on 1st October 2015 when the debt limit is increased to £20,000. The allowable value of assets also rises to £1,000.Advantages• You do not have to make

any repayments to the debts included in the Debt Relief Order for a fixed period of time – usually one year

• This offers you time to improve your financial situation

• Your creditors cannot pursue you for debt during this time

• All debts included in the DRO are written off if your circumstances have not improved at the end of the term

Disadvantages• Interest and charges continue

to be added • A Debt Relief Order remains

on your credit file for six years

• It is recorded on the Individual Insolvency Register, which is available for public view

• It may affect your job if you work in the legal or financial sectors, the police or prison service

Debt Management Plan (DMP)A Debt Management Plan is not legally binding and involves paying back all of your debt,

FinanceWhat are Your Options when You’re Struggling with Debt?

By Ann Haldon


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but over a longer period of time. None of the debt will be written off at the end of the term, and your DMP provider will deal with creditors on your behalf. Who might use it?If you can afford to pay your household bills but are struggling to keep up with credit card or store card bills, for example, a DMP may be suitable.Advantages• Your DMP provider will deal

with creditors on your behalf• You are able to repay your

debts in full, which may have less impact on your credit file

• You make a single consolidated payment to cover the debts included in the plan

Disadvantages• Interest and charges may be

added• It still has an effect on your

credit file, even though you

are not writing off any debt• If you don’t keep up

repayments, you may be forced into bankruptcy

BankruptcyAs a measure of last resort, bankruptcy writes off your debt and allows you to start again. It usually lasts for one year, after which time you will be discharged and can begin to rebuild your credit rating. Who might use it?If debts are greater than your total assets including home and car, and you cannot afford to keep up repayments, bankruptcy may be your only option. Additionally, one of your creditors may force you into bankruptcy through the courts.Advantages• All debts are written off• There is no more creditor

pressure• You can start afresh

financially

Disadvantages• You will lose your home and

other assets• Your job may be affected• You will find it difficult to

obtain borrowing for some time

• Bankruptcy will have a serious adverse effect on your credit file

Factors including whether you have a regular income, your line of work, total level of debt and assets, all have an influence on which of these solutions would be most appropriate.

https://www.gov.uk/options-for-paying-off-your-debts/individual-voluntary-arrangements

http://www.stepchange.org/Debtinformationandadvice/Debtsolutions/Individual voluntaryarrangement.aspx


What is it?This is the totally revised BMW X1. Gone are the weird looks of the last model – which managed to clock up 730,000 sales around the world – and in comes a fresh, chunky design that makes it look like a shrink-wrapped X5, but in a good way. One in 10 BMWs sold was an X1 at the height of its success and it was continually in the top three most popular cars sold by the manufacturer, so this new model has a lot to live up to. Aimed at “young, sporty” buyers, the maker believes this is a lifestyle vehicle that can be used every day. It’s taller and wider than the model it replaces, has a higher seating position, but has shrunk 1.5cm.What’s under the bonnet?There is one petrol engine and three diesel options. The former xDrive20i has 190bhp,

280Nm of torque and can hit 62mph in 7.4 seconds. Emissions are 146g/km and it’ll return 44.8mpg. Diesels come in 18d, 20d and 25d variants. The sDrive18d is front wheel drive only, the latter two four-wheel drive like the petrol. We’d pick the £30,630-priced xDrive20d, though. Why? Well it comes with four-wheel drive, is £6k cheaper than the top-of-the-range model and still performs well. With 188bhp and 400Nm of torque it will hit 62mph in 7.6 seconds, return 57.6mpg and emits 128g/km. What’s the spec like?Standard equipment is plentiful. Navigation, DAB radio, 40:20:40 split rear seat (with handy buttons to fold them flat from the boot), alloys and an automatic opening and closing boot that you can operate with a wave of your foot, are all

included. As you move up the range, larger alloys, different trims and LED headlights are added, while the M Sport adds a smart styling pack too. On the options list is a heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon speakers and a head-up display, plus lots more.

What’s it like to drive?Frankly, quite brilliant. For what is essentially a small SUV it belies its size on the road. Bumps are soaked up beautifully and the ride is plush. The high seating position is excellent and commanding, the steering feels a little uncommunicative at times but isn’t off-putting while the diesel engine and automatic gearbox work seamlessly. It’s a very competent package and feels decidedly premium. BMW has worked hard on the chassis for this new X1 and it shows.

BMW X1 By James Baggott

MotoringAny rivals?Plenty. In fact, this market is positively crowded. Direct rivals come in the shape of the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA, both competent but we’d argue not quite as good looking as the Beemer. But then cast your net further afield and you could include the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and recently launched Renault Kadjar in the same bracket. Those latter options lack the cache of the BMW’s premium badge, but offer considerably better value for money. See what we mean about choice?

The verdictWe loved the BMW X1. The last one passed us by somewhat – we felt the looks were strange and out of proportion, and it seemed to

lack the style we’d come to expect from BMW. This new model is much better, though. The chunky looks make it really stand out on the road – even if it does look like a miniature X5 (but that’s no bad thing) – and the interior is a lovely place to spend time. As you’d expect it feels premium, rides beautifully and has an impressive amount of standard kit. We’d go as far to say that if you’re looking for a premium SUV with diminutive dimensions, this should be at the top of your shopping list.

The KnowledgeModel: BMW X1 xDrive20dPrice: £30,630Engine: 2.0-litre dieselPower: 188bhp, 400NmMax speed: 136mph0-62mph: 7.4MPG: 57.6Emissions: 128g/km

31

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What is it?This is the totally revised BMW X1. Gone are the weird looks of the last model – which managed to clock up 730,000 sales around the world – and in comes a fresh, chunky design that makes it look like a shrink-wrapped X5, but in a good way. One in 10 BMWs sold was an X1 at the height of its success and it was continually in the top three most popular cars sold by the manufacturer, so this new model has a lot to live up to. Aimed at “young, sporty” buyers, the maker believes this is a lifestyle vehicle that can be used every day. It’s taller and wider than the model it replaces, has a higher seating position, but has shrunk 1.5cm.What’s under the bonnet?There is one petrol engine and three diesel options. The former xDrive20i has 190bhp,

280Nm of torque and can hit 62mph in 7.4 seconds. Emissions are 146g/km and it’ll return 44.8mpg. Diesels come in 18d, 20d and 25d variants. The sDrive18d is front wheel drive only, the latter two four-wheel drive like the petrol. We’d pick the £30,630-priced xDrive20d, though. Why? Well it comes with four-wheel drive, is £6k cheaper than the top-of-the-range model and still performs well. With 188bhp and 400Nm of torque it will hit 62mph in 7.6 seconds, return 57.6mpg and emits 128g/km. What’s the spec like?Standard equipment is plentiful. Navigation, DAB radio, 40:20:40 split rear seat (with handy buttons to fold them flat from the boot), alloys and an automatic opening and closing boot that you can operate with a wave of your foot, are all

included. As you move up the range, larger alloys, different trims and LED headlights are added, while the M Sport adds a smart styling pack too. On the options list is a heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon speakers and a head-up display, plus lots more.

What’s it like to drive?Frankly, quite brilliant. For what is essentially a small SUV it belies its size on the road. Bumps are soaked up beautifully and the ride is plush. The high seating position is excellent and commanding, the steering feels a little uncommunicative at times but isn’t off-putting while the diesel engine and automatic gearbox work seamlessly. It’s a very competent package and feels decidedly premium. BMW has worked hard on the chassis for this new X1 and it shows.

BMW X1 By James Baggott

MotoringAny rivals?Plenty. In fact, this market is positively crowded. Direct rivals come in the shape of the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA, both competent but we’d argue not quite as good looking as the Beemer. But then cast your net further afield and you could include the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and recently launched Renault Kadjar in the same bracket. Those latter options lack the cache of the BMW’s premium badge, but offer considerably better value for money. See what we mean about choice?

The verdictWe loved the BMW X1. The last one passed us by somewhat – we felt the looks were strange and out of proportion, and it seemed to

lack the style we’d come to expect from BMW. This new model is much better, though. The chunky looks make it really stand out on the road – even if it does look like a miniature X5 (but that’s no bad thing) – and the interior is a lovely place to spend time. As you’d expect it feels premium, rides beautifully and has an impressive amount of standard kit. We’d go as far to say that if you’re looking for a premium SUV with diminutive dimensions, this should be at the top of your shopping list.

The KnowledgeModel: BMW X1 xDrive20dPrice: £30,630Engine: 2.0-litre dieselPower: 188bhp, 400NmMax speed: 136mph0-62mph: 7.4MPG: 57.6Emissions: 128g/km


Luxury 4* Aberdeen accommodation Serviced apartments and cottages for short term or longer lets.

Both of our cottages form the original compound with the lighthouse built to Robert

Stevensons design by an Aberdonian contractor in 1833.

One Lighthouse Cottage is a very special three bedroom holiday cottage, being the original lightlighthouse keeper’s cottage inside the walled compound.

www.northernlightsapartmentsaberdeen.co.uk


Scott Gilmour BSc (Hons) MCOptom5 The Courtyard, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9SD

Telephone : 01224 - 863344 info@scottgilmouroptometrists.co.ukwww.scottgilmouroptometrists.co.uk

All eye examinations covered by NHSOptical Coherence Tomography for early diagnosis of Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration and Retinal Conditions.

Digital Retinal PhotographyVisual Field Analysis

Emergency Eye AppointmentsLarge range of Designer frames and

specialised spectacle lensesAccredited by RACH for Children’s

Eye ExaminationsHome Visits Free Car parkingOpen Late night Tuesday - 7pm

& Saturday - 4pm

Home-Start Aberdeen is all about families. Can you help?

1A Alford Place Aberdeen AB10 1YD T 01224 693545 E [email protected]

Home-Start is a voluntary organisation that offers support, friendship and practical help to local parents in their own homes.

We believe that children need a happy and secure childhood and that parents play the key role in giving their children a good start in life and helping them to achieve their full potential.

As a home visiting volunteer you will:● Offer support to a local family in their own home

● Receive training and ongoing support

● Help others develop their parenting skills

● Encourage families to engage with their communities

● Provide practical guidance on budgeting and household management

● Connect families with other relevant organisations and services.

Home visiting volunteers need only commit to providing support

for as little as 2–3 hours per week.

Contact us on 01224 693545 or

email [email protected] if you would like to volunteer.

Our charity shop at

101 George Street Aberdeen

always welcomes donations.

Telephone 01224 622390

We can uplift your donations for you.

www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk

GERMAN FOR BEGINNERS IN CULTSPlanning a holiday or business trip to Germany or Austria? Why not learn a little of the language to get to know the country and the people better? German for Beginners is a new evening class starting in the Cults Learning Centre on Thursday 17th September from 7 – 9pm. It will be based on the BBC Active course, and no prior knowledge is necessary. The cost for eight weeks is £50. Cults Learning Centre is an annexe to Cults Academy next to the swimming pool. For further information contact the tutor Erik Stien on [email protected], or by telephone 01224 734149, mobile 07774 896421, or to book the class contact Giuseppina Caligiuri at [email protected] or 01224 866286


George Cormack Painter & Decorator T: 01224 827081M: 07840 650 85340yrs experience, free estimates, no job to small and no vat.e: [email protected]

the one stop business shop ...

Compu-CareCall Neil 07539-462-064 Laptop & PC upgrades/repairs/internetCollect & return serviceNew computers availableLaptop and PC training available£20 per hour

Piano TeacherM: 07731 440 368H: 01224 586721l.t.c.l. very experienced

abrsm exam/highers/national 3, 4, 5 ferryhill area - easy parking

available in school holidays

Reflexology by GordonT: 07769 519 761W: www.reflexologybygordon.co.uk

Reflexology:Lymph DrainageFeet and Hand

Evening and Weekend Appointments in your own

homeGift Vouchers Available

North East Musical Instrument Repair Ian 07710751962Scott [email protected]

Woodwind and brass service and

repair

Mathematics TutoringT: 01224 315582M: 07947 411 232E: [email protected]

Experienced maths tutor available for: - National 4 & 5, - CfE Higher & Advanced Higher - Central Location

Geocaching Join the adventure of geocaching

through the glorious scenery of Royal Deeside. The new exciting “Explore Royal Deeside GeoTour” launched recently is proving to be a popular choice amongst experienced and novice geocachers.

Using either a hand held GPS receiver or a geocaching app on a smartphone, Geocaching is a modern day version of a treasure hunt. With over 2.5 million active geocachers world-wide and around 5 million plus caches, it is a very popular activity.

Explore Royal Deeside GeoTour is currently the only official GeoTour in Scotland and has been centred on the Deeside Way. The caches (treasure) are all freely available and lead you through forest walks, castle trails and loch side locations.

As well as the GeoTour, several new mini trails have been created which will lead visitors to almost every corner of Royal Deeside. In total there will be about 150 new caches available to find over the next few months with more trails being added all the time.

To find out more information about how Geocaching works and the “Explore Royal Deeside GeoTour” then please visit www.visitroyaldeeside.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram


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Food & Fiddle Fortnight in Royal DeesideFood and Music lovers are in for a treat this Autumn as Food and Fiddle Fortnight returns for a third year. The event helps to showcase some of the areas fine food and wonderful music scene all set within the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside.

From Friday 2nd to Sunday 18th October various venues are hosting a wide range of events. So if you fancy taking afternoon tea in a castle, a Landrover Safari BBQ, or perhaps join a traditional music session, or even experience a day on a working farm learning about breeds to butcher cuts, then you can during Food & Fiddle Fortnight. These are just a few of the things on offer and some events are even FREE to attend. Covering from Drumoak right through to Braemar, we hope you find something of interest to you. We have also listed some other local events happening either side of the fortnight too. So you see always lots going on in Royal Deeside! For more information visit www.visitroyaldeeside.com for the most up to-date calendar and you can also find Food & Fiddle Fortnight on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!


Have a sizzling Autumn

Voucher can be used once only and only one voucher per table. Voucher cannot be exchanged for cash. Valid : from 15 September thru to 15 November 2015 20% discount will be applied to “food” only.

Your lunch or dinner bill

t: 01224 740318www.fourmile.co.uk

ferryhill HOUSE HOTEL

t: 01224 590867www.ferryhillhousehotel.co.uk

20% OFF FOOD ONLY

VALID Mon to Thurs at Ferryhill House Hotel Expires : 15 November 2015

VALID Mon to Fri at Fourmile HouseExpires : 15 November 2015

20% OFF FOOD ONLY

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Russell Lost 5st 1lb in 17 weeks

AfterTreatment

Weight Reduction, Skin Tightening

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web issue 97 wa1

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