University of Stirling Stirling Minds For Alumni, Staff and Friends 2020/2021
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University of Stirling
Stirling Minds
For Alumni, Staff and
Friends 2020/2021
1
Letter from the Director Contents
4 Campus news
8
has adapted at speed despite recognised in the New Year
the knowledge that, like for Honours, becoming the first
many businesses, there would Principal at Stirling to be 8 Faculty of Social Sciences
be a funding gap. Stirling has knighted whilst in office. The
12 Interview with alumni generations
an important role to play in accolade recognised in part
providing the solutions to make the positive economic impact 14 Stirling Management School
a successful and sustainable the University has had on the
recovery and throughout this region over the last decade. 17 Faculty of Arts and Humanities
edition there are inspirational
stories of how staff, students
These achievements, in such
an unusual and difficult 22 International focus 17
and alumni have responded to year, are testimony to our
the pandemic and post-Covid commitment to deliver a world-
24 Upskilling for the future
economic recovery plans – you class education and student 28 Spotlight on research
will see there are many reasons experience.
to be proud of your association
If you have any feedback on
30 Meet the academic
with the University.
28
Dear alumni and friends: Stirling Minds or any aspect of 32 Faculty of Natural Sciences
In other news, the University the University please contact
Welcome to the latest edition
of Stirling Minds, and a special
moved up 57 places to be me at alumni@stir.ac.uk. 36 Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport
ranked 18th in the UK National
welcome to the most recent Wherever you are in the world,
Student Survey and moved up 40 You said: we did
cohorts, whose Graduation stay safe,
to 28th place in The Guardian
ceremonies were postponed.
University Guide. The Sports 41 Class notes
47
This year marks my tenth year Centre opened and Campus
47 Tribute to a benefactor
at the University and it has Central (an extension to the
been a difficult one – socially, atrium) will be completed at 48 Alumni events
emotionally and financially. the end of this year. Professor Kerry Bryson
Every part of the institution Sir Gerry McCormac was Director for Global Advancement 50 Advancement update
Produced by Advancement: Kerry Bryson; Jennifer Forman (Managing Editor); Fiona McMillan.
Keeping in touch Design: Arken Creative
Photography: Jenny Beckett; Paul Stuart; Whyler Photos; Ede and Ravenscroft; John McIntyre; Elaine Livingstone;
Amy Beattie; Alan Peebles; Vikki McCall; Jeff Holmes; David Halliday; Ewan Rawcliffe; Christopher Jackson;
Remember to let us know when you change address! You can do this by completing the form at http://stir.ac.uk/21d
Julie MacDonald; Melanie Mitchell and Aaron R Zipp.
or by emailing alumni@stir.ac.uk.
This publication can be made available in different formats. Contact alumni@stir.ac.uk.
University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA is recognised as a Scottish Charity with number SC011159.
2 3
Campus news Campus news
Queen’s Anniversary Prize
Principal and Vice-Chancellor awarded a second time
honoured by knighthood In February 2020 the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall bestowed the UK’s highest
academic honour – the Queen’s Anniversary Prize upon the University’s Institute
Reflecting on his inclusion in the New Year Honours list, Professor Sir Gerry of Aquaculture, at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The prize was
McCormac said he felt very honoured to receive this recognition and is awarded in recognition of the Institute’s pioneering work in one of the world’s
indebted to the staff and students whose hard work and dedication have fastest-growing food production sectors in a bid to tackle global hunger.
made the University what it is today.
He said: “Stirling is an
international university with a
community. I would like to
express my gratitude to all of
international presence, and
has led the regeneration of the
Congratulations!
pioneering spirit and a global those who have supported University estate – including We are delighted to congratulate the following alumni who were
reputation for high-quality – and continue to support – new student accommodation, recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours and the New Year’s Honours:
teaching and research. Most the University.” the redevelopment of the
importantly, it is a place where Professor Muffy Calder OBE, BSc (Hons) Computing Science 1980,
The accolade recognised the world-class sport facilities, and
ability – not background – is Vice-Principal & Head of College of Science & Engineering at University of Glasgow
contribution the University the ongoing Campus Central
DBE for services to research and education
valued. Our successes are development. In addition, he
makes to the local and regional Sophie Dunnett, PGCE Tertiary Education 2001, Athletics Coach
testament to the tireless work has led the transformation of
economy. Today, the University BEM for services to amateur athletics in Scotland
of our wonderful campus the student experience, with
generates around £380 million
community – our passionate John Loughton, DipHE Politics 2009, CEO Scran Academy
per annum for the economy the University ranked top 20
and dedicated staff, our BEM for his services to the community during Covid-19
which was an increase of 90% in the UK in the latest National
talented students and our Andrew Miller, BA History 1988, Arts Consultant and Broadcaster
on an impact review carried out Student Survey.
inspirational alumni. The MBE for services to disability awareness in the cultural industry
in 2011. He has served as the University’s
enormous challenges posed Eve Muirhead, DUniv 2018, Scottish curler
by coronavirus over the past Over the last decade, Professor Principal and Vice-Chancellor MBE for services to curling
year have shone a light on the McCormac has overseen since May 2010 and was Patricia Ritchie, BA (Hons) English 1981, CEO of Newcastle City Council
togetherness, resilience and a significant improvement elected Convener of Universities CBE for services to local government and to public service reform
unwavering support of our in Stirling’s research and Scotland in August 2020.
4 5
Campus news Campus news
Research
news
Doors open to £20m
The University’s reputation
for research that makes a
difference has positioned us
on the frontline of the UK’s
response to the Covid-19
pandemic, and we were
sports facilities
awarded over £3.6m across a The new facilities welcomed Members will benefit from “After more than four years
number of research projects. their first users at the end enhanced changing facilities in the making, this project
of 2020 briefly before the and communal spaces. The has delivered a stunning new
The research considered the effects of the country went into another existing 50m swimming pool, complex that will transform
virus on society, using our expertise to period of lockdown. six-court indoor tennis courts sport, health and wellbeing at
search for answers with impact. Projects and eight-court sports hall the University.
include an exploration into the impact of The new building includes a have been integrated into the “The past year has been an
the pandemic on vulnerable children and purpose-built studio space, an new building. It’s been kitted incredibly challenging time
young people; the nature and number innovative fitness suite with out with top-of-the-range for everyone and we hope,
of ambulance call-outs; the impact add-on multi-use studio, a equipment from world-leading when fully operational, the
three-court sports hall, strength
City Region
of loneliness and other mental health brands such as Technogym, new facilities will offer a
challenges; and research into the possible and conditioning area, as BLK BOX, Eleiko and Outrace. hugely positive experience for
spread of Covid-19 through sewage. well as a new state-of-the- Stirling’s Executive Director of our students, staff and local
Deal
Latest research shows that the change art high performance suite. Sport, Cathy Gallagher, said: community.”
in UK regulation of the AstraZeneca
Do Better
vaccine – recommending an alternative
for those under 30 – has had no effect
The University is a central partner of on the general public’s intention to get
vaccinated. Stirling economists have Following the death of George Floyd and the emergence of the Black
the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Lives Matter movement, the University’s Art Collection participated
warned that fiscal frameworks of UK
Region Deal, and is leading on three City in the Scotland-wide Black Lives Matter mural trail created by Wezi
devolved governments must be made Mhura.
Deal projects: The National Aquaculture
more robust in future crises.
Technology and Innovation Hub, Alloa-based artist, Suzanne Williams was commissioned and created a
As well as rising to the immediate sculptural piece Do Better, which is designed to highlight those who have
Scotland’s International Environment
challenges presented by Covid-19, we experienced and strived against injustices.
Centre and the groundbreaking continue our work to fight against
Art Curator Jane Cameron said: “Do Better is designed to make us think
Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub tobacco-related harm, feed communities about our thoughts and actions. It is sited at the end of the loch bridge in
and Village in Clackmannanshire. These through sustainable aquaculture research the heart of the University campus where it will be passed on a daily basis
developments will ensure the University and improve the lives of people with by current students. We hope that the installation will have an impact and
continues to be a renowned international dementia. All our research is conducted inspire positive action.”
centre for world-class research. to the highest standards of quality and
The installation is supported by the University of Stirling, UCU, Students’
integrity, allowing us to support and
Union, the Macrobert Arts Centre and a number of individual donors.
Read more at http://stir.ac.uk/5xc. improve life across the world. For more information visit http://stir.ac.uk/5xf or to donate please
contact artcollection@stir.ac.uk or alumni@stir.ac.uk.
6 7
Faculty of Social Sciences
Designing homes
The project has been awarded
£1.6m through the UK Research A new home for
& Innovation’s healthy ageing
mentorship
for healthy
challenge, part of the Social,
Behavioural and Design No part of the University was unaffected by the
Research Programme. The consequences of Covid-19, and the impact of lockdown
cognitive ageing project will feed directly into an
Intergenerational Living project
was felt particularly keenly by students with mandatory
placement requirements, including our Housing students. To
address this, course coordinator Dr Vikki McCall introduced
and the City Region Deal for
Stirling and Clackmannanshire, an elegant solution – professional mentorship.
The old saying ‘time waits for no one’ is
providing groundwork for local
certainly true with one in 12 people in Housing programme – a
housing developments. The
the UK now over the age of 75. By 2040, challenge is to innovate and
testament to the calibre of
it will be one in seven. Predictions are scale up products and services
Stirling graduates in the field.
that one third of children born today that will help people as they Dr McCall said: “The
will reach their 100th birthday and get older, and this project is postgraduate internship
placements are a key element
that half of everyone aged 65 will vital if we are to future-proof
of building student experience
live the rest of their lives with a housing to meet the needs of
and knowledge with employers.
the world’s ageing population.
disability. Making the personal and
CIPFA, RICS Scotland, the
We need to find sustainable therefore a longer healthy, Housing LIN, Mediva (a medical informal links into the housing
Institution of Civil Engineers
solutions on how we can remain independent life in one’s own consultancy in Japan), the UK- sector and having those ‘water-
Scotland and other professional
active, productive, independent home. Our partners include Japan international network cooler’ conversations is an
bodies will use the research
and socially connected for as Robertson Group, Construction on Designing for Ageing extra challenge for students at
findings to develop CPD the moment due to Covid-19,
long as possible. Professor Scotland Innovation Centre, and Dementia, Stirling and
programmes for their members. so linking our graduating and
Alison Bowes is leading a team Faithful and Gould, Holmes Clackmannanshire Councils,
of experts at the University on Miller Architects, Inch BoKlok/IKEA and Silviahemmet, If you are 50+ and would like current placement students to
a major new research project to Architecture, Space Group, a foundation established by the to find out more contact key professionals in the sector
Twenty four mentors joined helps career development and
design and build virtual and real Kingdom Housing Association, Queen of Sweden. grant.gibson@stir.ac.uk.
the programme to share building those important informal
demonstrator houses as test-
invaluable knowledge gained networks. The housing sector
beds for innovations to support
from their work in the is incredibly supportive of the
healthy cognitive ageing.
sector. The students benefit University and our students, and
The designs will be evaluated from real world experience, the enthusiasm and motivation of
by older people – using virtual upholding the commitment mentors has been amazing.”
reality developed by Stone to professionalism which is In another triumph for the
Paper Scissors – in collaboration embedded in the course. Housing programme, the
with builders, architects and Students discuss a range University’s graduate trainee
housing providers to identify of contemporary issues programme in partnership with
practical, realistic and affordable and challenges with skilled Kingdom Housing Association
designs that can support
practitioners during the was shortlisted for a Chartered
healthy cognitive ageing, and
mentorship programme, and Institute of Housing Scotland
most of these mentors are award for “Excellence in
Pictured from left to right: alumni of the University’s working in partnership”.
Volunteer Ro Pengelly, Professor
Alison Bowes, volunteer Jean Contact vikki.mccall1@stir.ac.uk about becoming a
Gibson and Dr Grant Gibson housing mentor.
8 9
Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences
receptionists, cleaners in schools, supporting them with their unintended consequence.
the people doing maintenance self-discovery, aspiration and Our goal was to drop off the
for housing associations and local ambition. boxes, but we started so many
authorities to have an awareness conversations and connections
of trauma. How they interact and The Crafty Kids initiative with people who were isolated.
communicate with the people has been a lifeline to local Also, we could plug them into
using their services changes families struggling to other services like foodbanks
based on trauma awareness – keep kids entertained, and financial support. We’ve
being trauma-informed changes motivated and creative delivered 3,300 boxes so far.
how you see things. If someone this year – can you tell us The growth of Crafty Kids has
presents at reception shouting about the impact? also meant that people who
and swearing, we don’t think As the pandemic hit, we were involved in our projects
Shumela Ahmed
what’s wrong with them, but could see organisations pre-Covid could also get paid
what happened to them? This supporting people with for their time, and very quickly
simple shift removes so much food, and we wanted to do we started giving four people
judgement. part time work. Organisations
Access Course 2013, BA (Hons) Journalism Studies and Politics 2017 and something similar with crafting
have started coming to us asking
PGDip Tertiary Education with TQFE 2018 RLP are introducing the
materials for children. We
for boxes for young people in
spoke to Clackmannanshire
Co-Founder, Resilience Learning Partnership (RLP) TIER programme this year their area, which is helping us
Third Sector Interface, and
– what’s involved in that? the Chief Executive, Anthea keep people in employment and
Trauma Informed Education makes it a sustainable model –
What brought you to this is our second purpose – our their experiences, and don’t Coulter, supported us with
and Recruitment (TIER) is a we give away a box for every
Stirling? facilitators, educators and project have to be defined by them. start-up funding. From there,
leads all have lived experience as Lived experience is being used six month programme that’s it snowballed! We gained one we sell.
I’d moved to Dunblane from
well as the relevant academic or in more meaningful ways. one full day a week and is
Glasgow a couple of years coverage on
professional skills needed to fulfil Take the Care Review – I sat completely co-produced by me
previously, and my best friend social media,
their roles. Where people might on that, and it was a really and eight other facilitators –
said “you’ve got a uni just up local and
not be at the stage of holding different way of undertaking seven of whom are third year
the road, you really should try national media,
Stirling students! These are
an access course.” I was taught those qualifications yet, we’ve a review. There were 140 care and pulled in
students with lived experience,
by amazing academics, such as found new, innovative ways of experienced people involved, more funding.
and we’ve co-produced this
Kevin Brosnan, so there was no working directly with them to 14 working groups, each co- We have a nice
based on our own experiences
other option for me other than develop their skills. chaired by someone with lived big space in our
of being adult returners,
more study! The education and A growing area of work for us is experience and a professional, base, letting us
and the barriers we faced
the campus community meant trauma-informed policy design and sometimes by a professional socially distance
along the way. Our goal is for
that for the first time in my consultation. We co-authored with lived experience. This
participants to have a place at and assemble
life, I felt a sense of belonging, the National Trauma Training movement is growing and
Forth Valley College, the Stirling the boxes. We
something I had never felt Plan with NHS Education for is so much more than just
access course, or be in further had an army
anywhere else before. Scotland and we work with participation and consultation –
training leading to meaningful of volunteers
we’re way beyond that. This is
Can you tell us about your organisations to implement employment, and we’re working on furlough
those recommendations and true co-production.
organisation, RLP? with these institutions and who helped
I always describe us as an requirements. It’s a huge piece Why are you so passionate Clackmannanshire Council to with delivery
organisation with a dual of work which will take years about trauma-informed do this. We’ll have 12 people – and we
purpose: first to provide learning, to be fully realised, but it’s so services? in each cohort and we’re found another
development and training significant to be starting this Trauma-informed services bring
services for professionals across journey. down barriers of engagement. YouTube channel http://stir.ac.uk/5xi. For more information http://stir.ac.uk/5x3.
health, criminal justice, social We show that people with It’s so important to have people Visit our blog for our full interview http://stir.ac.uk/5x6.
care and education. How we do lived experience are more than like dental receptionists, doctors’
10 11
Interview with alumni generations Interview with alumni generations
Alumni families
Stirling may be a youngster on the UK higher education scene, but we’re
growing up fast, and delighted to see younger generations following in their
parents’ footsteps.
Pictured from left to right: Jordan, Scott and Blair Scott at the Sports Union Ball in 1980
graduation I carefully selected over the years. To this day, I still
Meet the my graduate placement – I’ve get that same ‘buzz’ when I
Haldanes been with the firm ever since. attend meetings on campus as
I did the very first time I came
Scott BA (Hons) Best memory? to Stirling.
Accountancy 1981 Scott: Trying to throw the late,
Blair: I have returned three
Blair BSc (Hons) great John Martyn out from the
Alice and Pat Pat on her graduation day
times to do a guest lecture
Environmental Geography/ refectory thinking he was trying
spot for the Education
Professional Education 2008 to sneak in, only to be told he
programme to hopefully inspire
solvent, though I can remember – sharing a bathroom and Jordan BAcc (Hons) was actually the headline act
Meet the buying clothes and albums kitchen with 18 other people. Accountancy 2010 that night. Or roadying for
teachers in training for life in
the profession. Best advice I
Ritchies when I got my grant cheque I remember travelling to the Simple Minds and Siouxsie and
got was “do a job you love and
(including my first Bruce University, frightened of the the Banshees – and I got paid to
Pat BA (Hons) English 1981 Why Stirling? you’ll never work a day in your
Springsteen bootleg in pink unknown, but as soon as I met do it. Excellent! And playing for
Alice BA (Hons) Professional Scott: I remember the day life.”
vinyl!). I was part of the first the other people in my halls, the University first 11 football
Education (Primary) with vividly. It rained when I visited
intake to Geddes Hall and I including my boyfriend, I felt Glasgow and Strathclyde and
team. Younger alums: will
a specialism in Early Years
thought it was luxurious. I’d a huge sense of relief – I knew there be a 3rd generation
2017
never had my own room, it
it was a glorious day when I Favourite student meal? coming to Stirling?
I would be okay. My favourite came to Stirling. As I walked
was warm and I didn’t have to Scott: Anything from a Vesta
spot was a picnic by the loch – Alice: Never say never!
Why Stirling? fight my siblings for hot water.
across the bridge towards the cardboard box.
I wish I could go back and visit residencies, I knew I belonged. Blair: With two kids now,
Pat: I was the first in my Blair: Chicken kievs and chips
Greatest privilege was to be more. I certainly hope so. The
family to go to university Blair: I chose Stirling as my dad with brown sauce.
taught by Norman MacCraig decision will be theirs but I
and was offered a place at never tired of telling me how
– I still have my essays with his Favourite student meal? Jordan: Chilli – easy to whip up will recommend Stirling and
Edinburgh and Stirling. I wanted brilliant it was. Also the campus
handwritten comments. I was Pat: My Auntie Norma’s cheese and plenty left over for lunch will fill their heads with as
somewhere different and life and the football – two
a panellist at an Innovation & and onion bridies. She would the next day. many positive stories as I can!
Stirling was modern and edgy – things I was looking for in my
Excellence event on Housing send me off at the beginning of
and when I visited the campus I University experience! How are you involved Jordan: Absolutely! My wife
during the 50th birthday every semester with a big box
was hooked. The best decision Jordan: Stirling had a great with the University today? went to Stirling too and loved
celebrations – being in Pathfoot of them, I was very popular at
I’ve ever made. I made the best reputation for accountancy and Scott: I’ve been a member of it. If my daughters ask me
again brought back memories the start of term.
friends of my life and six of us, finance, and I found the subject University Court since 2012 and for advice I know where to
of Echo and the Bunnymen,
all women, are still in touch. Alice: Macaroni cheese and recommend.
Simple Minds and the ‘All to be wide and varied. After have really enjoyed ‘giving back’
curly fries from the Students’
Nighter’.
Hardships or memories? Union – cheap and delicious.
Alice: My first year in Murray Read the full interviews at http://stir.ac.uk/5x6.
Pat: I was lucky to get a full A close second was an egg and
Hall was a shock to the system We’d love to hear from other generations so contact us at alumni@stir.ac.uk.
grant and was reasonably tattie scone roll.
12 13
Stirling Management School
National recognition, Introducing the Inaugural
Entrepreneur-in-residence
University of Stirling
Management School
local recovery Stirling Minds caught up with Honorary Professor Scott Brady to ask him about this new role.
Throughout the pandemic, Stirling Management School (SMS) has worked in partnership But in practice, it’s been much Entrepreneurship, Employability
with Strathclyde Business School and The Hunter Foundation on ways to help Scottish SMEs more than that: the creation and Personal Finance) has
to survive and thrive beyond Covid-19. Professor Kevin Grant and his team have extended of the role has been a call to a community platform to
action for aspiring student nurture the skills and talents
the Scottish scale-up project and supported our local business community through popular
and alumni entrepreneurs to of future leaders. I support
applied consultancy projects, their business sanctuary approach and with the support of our
engage with the University’s and encourage seminars and
entrepreneur-in-residence.
Innovation and Enterprise frequent interactions wholly
programmes that are focussed on developing our
Calling all local SMEs already well established and
delivering tangible results. I
students. I and other guest
speakers share our journeys
UK Government’s flagship “SMEs are the backbone of our often signpost individuals to and knowledge to the society
business recovery programme. economy and the last year has the Enterprise Programme members. The essence of a
which supports those seeking successful story of past success
Announced by Chancellor Rishi been really tough for them.
business start-up and skills- will foster future successes. LEEP
Sunak, the programme is part This is a valuable opportunity
development. My role is to creates that future for Stirling.”
of a £520 million initiative for small firms who want
nurture these pathways. Scott Brady is a successful
which will support 130,000 to re-evaluate the way they
SMEs and boost productivity by operate, expand, upskill and “I came to Stirling because businessman with extensive
I had identified keen international experience. He is
providing access to one-to-one help strengthen the local
researchers, committed Managing Director of ecos and
support and training from the economy. Through a mix of
leaders, innovative SB Global HR and Legal LLP. He
UK’s top business schools. online teaching, masterclasses
programmes and strong also sits on the SMS Business
SMS is one of only two and interactive sessions, this
“The brief is to use my values of delivering the Advisory Board.
business schools in Scotland training programme will help
experience to support and best range of programmes For more information or to
to have the Small Business business leaders to develop
counsel staff, students and I’ve seen in Scotland. For be a guest speaker contact
Charter – accreditation needed leadership and management
doctoral researchers with an example, the student Fiona McMillan via
to lead the programme. The skills and provide them with society LEEP (Leadership,
interest in entrepreneurship. alumni@stir.ac.uk.
training is 90% funded by the the knowledge, tools and
UK Government reducing the confidence to implement
cost per participant to £750. change and adopt new and
improved business practices.”
Star Marketing Student of the
Year 2020
SMS will offer a 12-week
Professor Kevin Grant, Dean programme, designed to allow Open to SMEs who have been
of SMS, speaking at an alumni participants to complete it in operation for at least a year Holly Millward (BA Hons Business Studies and Marketing 2020), won
event in China in 2019 alongside full time work, which and employing between five the award at the prestigious Marketing Society Awards – the third
will help senior management and 250 staff members, the Stirling student to triumph in the competition in recent years.
The University is supporting boost their business’ programme represents Stirling’s As part of her prize, Holly entered into a three-month paid internship at
small and medium sized performance, resilience, and commitment to supporting Edrington-Beam Suntory UK (E-BS), and then secured a role as their Marketing
enterprises in the Forth Valley long-term growth. local recovery. Graduate in the Insights & Reporting Team. Holly told us that she was very
region through a management Acknowledging the need for The courses will start in June grateful for the Marketing Society’s Star Award and the support of E-BS and
training programme as targeted recovery support, 2021. To book your place, visit the University – “entering the world of work as a graduate is challenging at the
part of Help to Grow, the best of times and was (especially so) with the added difficulties presented by
Professor Kevin Grant said: http://stir.ac.uk/5xl.
Covid-19, and the impact it has had on the job market.”
14 15
Stirling Management School Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Dan Brown, BA (Hons)
Retail Marketing 2014
Position: President, Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF)
always been easy! You have to What’s next for you, Dan?
make sure you have the right At Lothian Stores the goal is to
people around you and not redefine convenience retailing.
be afraid to ask your team or We’re hoping to create a model
extended network for help. that allows us to do so and then
From an early age Dan Brown
worked alongside his father in How did your studies at hopefully get a few more stores
various different convenience Stirling prepare you for a under our belt using the same
stores. After graduating, he career in retail? model. Within my role at the
completed his store manager ‘Learning to learn’ was a phrase SGF, I hope to ensure that the
training at Scotmid Co- that my lecturers used and at opportunities are there for every
operative. In 2018 he became the time I found the phrase retailer to be able to do the same.
Managing Director for Lothian somewhat annoying! However,
Stores Ltd, who operate Nisa this was actually one of the How do you like to unwind
Pinkie Farm Convenience Store most useful things I learned – when you’re not working?
you have to be able to question Unwinding is an incredibly
in Musselburgh. He has the
something, have the ability to important part of life and I’ve
distinction of being the youngest
research it and then confidently only just discovered this in the
President of SGF.
make fact-based decisions, last year or so – and in finding
Congratulations on all whilst trying to hit tight the time to spend on other
winning the Scottish deadlines and budgets. interests, I’ve found myself
Grocer Innovation Award.
How did you achieve this?
We improved the customer
How have you coped in
the last year?
10x more productive when I
am at work. Being involved in
busy shops and offices all day
Pandemics: then and now
experience at Nisa Pinkie The main challenge has been
makes it difficult to clear your
Farm Convenience Store by
adapting to a more digital
head and take time to reflect.
Across the world Covid-19 has created unprecedented social and
incorporating a kitchen in-house
world and overcoming various
Exploring the silence of the economic challenges. To the historian, however, the challenges of
different technical issues.
– our chef makes meals for
Covid-19 has had an impact outdoors allows me to relax and contagion, curfews and travel restrictions are all too familiar.
customers using products that keep a steady head.
on networking as so many
we sell in the store. We also use
helpful conversations come
local suppliers, customers like Do you have any advice Professor Richard Oram, empowering local authorities ‘lockdown’, with restrictions put
from physically being out and
to know the origin of their food for Stirling students? Dean of the Faculty, has to take all necessary steps in place across Scotland during
integrating with others.
and how it’s been prepared. Make the most of it! The real- been highlighting many of to ‘staunch’ the epidemics times of plague, dating back to
the comparisons through his – years before Henry VIII’s earlier government acts passed
Finally, we constantly seek Who do you most admire world hits you hard and fast. I
ways to improve: how can we and why? rushed through my four years excellent contributions to the government did the same in in Edinburgh in 1499. These
tell the story through digital My father – always. He taught and if I could do them again, I James I: King of Scotland blog. England. limited the movement of people
platforms and how can we would definitely involve myself Richard positions Scotland and goods and called for the
me from an early age to face Dogs, pigs and children
make the shopping experience everything with a can-do attitude in more of the extra-curricular as one of the most advanced closure of spaces where people
northern European states By examining burgh council gathered – including schools.
faster. We’ve won quite a few and has provided me with the opportunities and fully
by passing basic legislation records, Richard has found He notes: “along with school-
other awards too. It’s been a lot encouragement and support to do interrogate the knowledge and
of hard work – I can’t say it’s between 1456 and 1462 extensive evidence of closures came the instruction
so no matter how big the challenge. experience of my lecturers.
16 17
Faculty of Arts and Humanities Faculty of Arts and Humanities
that all children under the age
of 15 were to remain indoors,
along with dogs and pigs,
revealing the three main groups
believed to be the most likely
vectors of disease transmission
through their common
attraction to filth!”
Hefty fines and death
penalties for breaking
the rules
Edinburgh was a community
dependent on trade, but the
fear of contagion was so
severe that the councillors,
Then: image of graveyard in Edinburgh Now: city streets during lockdown
who were all leading
merchants themselves, from Leith, Kirkcaldy, Dysart was devoted to religious group festivities and general restrictions have slowed the For more insights to the life and
effectively stopped the flow and Burntisland. Glaswegians arrangements. One of the excess of celebrations. spread of Covid-19. A historian times of King James 1 including
of goods to and from towns were prohibited to travel acts extended the King’s might argue that it is simply a link to the blog and a plan to
Our collective experiences the enforcement of centuries-
and districts, even where under pain of death to those protection to clergy who discover the lost tomb of King James
over the last year would show old policies that were known
infection was just ‘suspected’. places. They believed that breached quarantine rules to
that social distancing and to work. visit http://stir.ac.uk/5xo.
In a step which echoes recent Edinburgh itself was largely conduct services in the hopes
restrictions on commerce, plague free, so Glaswegians that divine intervention would
they suspended Edinburgh’s could travel to there if they staunch the spread of plague.
markets and halted all trading had secured a testimonial from Like all diseases, plague was
within the burgh. Again, when the council that they were believed to be a scourge sent Expert governance for Scotland’s environmental future
we think of the identified risks ‘clean’ of disease. On their by God to punish humanity for
of transmission of Covid-19 return, they were required to its sins, a spiritual malaise that Leading environmental law enforcement gaps following
from one infected person present another statement manifested itself externally in expert Dr Annalisa Savaresi the UK’s departure from the
within a larger group, in from the bailies of Edinburgh the corruption of the victim’s has been appointed to serve European Union.
crowded or confined spaces, to the council in Glasgow body. Prayers and devotions as a member of the board of When fully established as
these steps are now very to prove that they were still were believed to be a more Scotland’s new environmental a statutory body, ESS will
familiar in the modern world. ‘clean’. Reciprocally, no-one certain cure than prophylactics body – Environmental monitor and investigate public
from Edinburgh was to be or any medical treatment. Standards Scotland (ESS). authorities’ compliance with
A century later, Glasgow’s
1574 enactments are a received into Glasgow without Religious practice remained Dr Savaresi is a renowned environmental law and will be
chilling record of a very a testimonial; those who tried a feature of plague control expert in climate change vested with powers to secure
local response to epidemic faced a hefty £10 fine (which measures in Scotland to the law and the interplay public authorities’ compliance.
within a community that felt equates to c. £4,300 in 2020 mid-seventeenth century, with between human rights and Dr Savaresi said: “I am delighted
beleaguered and fearful of currency)! every epidemic outbreak being environmental law, with to have been selected to serve
‘what was happening out Places of worship were accompanied by instructions extensive experience working in one of the most important
there’. Glasgow’s councillors included in the most recent from the King’s council for a with international and non- public bodies set up in Scotland
identified ‘suspect places’ lockdown rules and this was re-application of the 1456 act governmental organisations. since the devolution settlement.
where they knew plague was also a concern in the past. A and the enforcement of a strict Launched in January 2021, I look forward to working
already raging and barred considerable amount of detail regime of prayer, fasting and ESS is tasked to ensure the with the ESS Board to support
entry to Glasgow for all folk in the 1456 act of parliament abstinence from sexual activity, effectiveness of environmental Scotland’s environmental
law in Scotland and prevent ambitions.”
18 19Faculty of Arts and Humanities Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Reinterpreting through radar – Michael Hines
the secrets of Dunfermline Abbey BA (Hons) Film & Media 1989
Michael Hines (centre) with Ford Kiernan (left) and Greg Hemphill
Led by University historian Dr Michael Penman, an innovative three-year project
Position: Television and film director
with the Abbey Church of Dunfermline, Fife Council and Historic Environment What made you choose Are you missing Jack a cubicle and all the noise of the
Scotland used ground-penetrating radar to study Dunfermline Abbey. The Stirling? and Victor? instruments etc. It’s hysterical.
results allowed the team to create a speculative plan of the lost medieval choir – It was the only university that Ha! I miss the banter and the
I note that you’re also a
great fun we had filming but
an area left ruinous following the Protestant Reformation in 1560. offered me a place to do English
celebrant! That sounds so
and Education at the time. I’d not standing outside in Maryhill
This allows visitors to re- Bruce’s remains. However, century ‘anthropomorphic’ lead foolishly applied elsewhere to in the rain waiting for a couple rewarding – tell us more?
combining our radar evidence do Computing Science – a very of neds to stop shouting “Ya I’ve been a humanist celebrant
envisage the medieval church shroud in quite a shallow, crude
with measurements taken daft move! couple of fannies” at us. for a few years, it’s such a lovely
as a whole, with many elite grave slot.
by local historian Ebenezer privilege to be able to marry
tombs and a symmetrical “Through this study, we also What was it like doing the
pilgrimage ambulatory arranged Henderson in 1854, raises the Who was your favourite couples. I don’t do many but it’s
found potential evidence of
lecturer? stage show? a lovely thing to do.
in veneration of a northern Lady likelihood that the position of
the existence of double tombs, Terrifying at first! On TV you can
this original gravesite was too I took music in the first semester
Chapel and the east-end shrine
close to the screened high altar
and it could also have been the
and there was this bonkers
do another take if something What have you read over
of Scottish queen, St Margaret case that Bruce was originally messes up, but here you have
for it to have been the original brilliant Music lecturer called the last year that you’d
(d.1093). The combination of buried within the northern to trust the cast to fly with it. I’d
burial site. Otto Karolyi who made a real recommend to us?
cutting-edge radar technology central presbytery of the choir, not really directed stage before,
“One possibility is that this site impact on me. I’ve not chosen A Stirling alumna, Sara Evans,
and archival evidence also together with his Queen, so to be directing a 10,000
was a ‘rescue’ burial by monks any single Film and Media has written a wonderful book
raised questions about the true Elizabeth de Burgh.” seater arena and the seven
who reportedly stayed on at lecturer as that would be unfair! about lions called When The
gravesite of Bruce, Robert I King cameras for the big screens
Dunfermline until around 1580, Dunfermline was founded Last Lion Roars. It’s melancholy
of Scots (1306-29). Congratulations on the simultaneously was a big task,
in defiance of the Reformation, as a priory before becoming but deep-felt.
but I loved it and each of the
Dr Penman said: “In 1818, and who perhaps saved these an abbey under David I, and BAFTA for Outstanding
three shows we did stuff you’d
architect William Burn remains after a box tomb was ultimately a royal mausoleum Contribution! What was it What do you have
never be able to do on TV.
uncovered a grave and a lead- destroyed. That would explain – some of Scotland’s most like to receive such an planned for the future?
encased skeleton, which was why this skeleton was found famous monarchs have been accolade? Which was your favourite I’ve just signed a deal for a very
generally accepted as being covered in a late 16th- or 17th- laid to rest in the grounds. Enormously proud – BAFTA Chewin’ the Fat sketch? exciting project that will take
awards are for excellence in the The one that makes me laugh me six months of next year so
industry, and to be recognised by every time is where the One- I’m looking forward to that.
Learn more about the project at http://stir.ac.uk/5xr.
your peers for the body of work Man Band tries to go to the I’ll let you know more about it
(Still Game in this case) was lovely. toilet. Greg Hemphill backs into when I can!
20 21International focus International focus
awaiting transfer to the
Department for International
Cooperation, went to Zambia
and worked on STI and AIDS
prevention programmes, says:
“There is enormous satisfaction
in helping poor people live
better lives.”
Mimosa Hedberg (pictured far
left) was selected, out of several
hundred applicants, for an and ethical dilemmas, to say
Mathilde Ligneau (pictured internship with United Nations what we would actually do when
above) went from Stirling Office for Project Services in disaster strikes.”
to UNHCR (the UN Refugee Myanmar, working on health The Rt Hon Sir George
Agency) in Geneva and then to projects, mainly anti-malaria Reid is a former MP, MSP
Jordan, working for the Syria and work against tuberculosis. and Presiding Officer of the
mission. Now running a $14m She now is based in Nepal with Scottish Parliament. Between
programme for displaced people
Spotlight on humanitarian careers
Finnish development cooperation Westminster and Holyrood, he
in the Democratic Republic of organisation Felm. She says: “The worked for 12 years in wars and
Congo, she says: “The MSc Stirling module was crucial in disasters worldwide. Since his
programme gave me a complete launching my career. Sir George retirement from politics, he has
overview of humanitarian action.” didn’t just teach theory. He engaged in conflict resolution in
Where can a Stirling degree take you? Worldwide into conflict and disasters. Tanaka Musakambeva (pictured challenged students, in actual Bangsamoro, the Caucasus and
case studies impacted by politics Moldova/Transnistria.
Ten Stirling graduates are working for victims of war and disaster in some of right), now a UK civil servant
the most difficult places on earth.
They are caring for traumatised the MSc International Conflict routes into a career in New Global Management programme launched in China
refugees from the conflict and Cooperation programme. humanitarian work,” says Sir
The Stirling Management School
in Syria; managing projects “Humanitarian action is not George. “Managing relief
and University of Chinese
for displaced people in the for the faint hearted,” he said. and rehabilitation projects,
Academy of Social Sciences
Democratic Republic of Congo; “The module is all about testing healthcare, conflict resolution,
(UCASS) have launched a new
working on malaria prevention theory against actual case human rights, advocacy, global
Doctor of Management (DMan)
programmes in Myanmar; studies. It’s about how to care warming, communication and
programme in Beijing.
bringing clean water to the for the most vulnerable people governance.
people of the Punjab; building on earth. And accepting that The programme aims to develop
“No matter how good you are
resilience in earthquake zones; top level managerial talent for UCASS Programme Management and Academic Teams
you may have to eat goat meat academically, however, you
and advocating safe sex in for ten days in a row, while a global economy whilst also approved by the Chinese expected to conduct research on
need people-to-people skills.
Uganda and Zimbabwe. scratching heat rash and finding being in tune with local needs, Ministry of Education in many a novel aspect of management
One student – teetering on
sand in the most unlikely parts conditions and perspectives, years, indicating a high regard and to make an original
Professorial Fellow Sir George the border of a re-sit – simply
of your body.” and will be delivered by leading for University of Stirling awards contribution to knowledge in
Reid – former Director of Public got on a plane, knocked doors
academics from both institutions. in this overseas market. their field of professional practice.
Affairs of the International Red The module offers one-to- and volunteered. But he could
Cross/Red Crescent in Geneva – one coaching on placements fix a broken water pipeline The DMan is the first of its kind It can be completed part- Alumni in China interested in the
has taught the UK’s first module in the United Nations and or rundown radio system. to be delivered in partnership in time over three to five years programme should contact Miya
in Humanitarian Action for six international aid agencies. He went on to run a relief China and the first professional depending on the participants’ Wang on 13810619620 or register
years at the University as part of “There are many different programme in Gaza.” doctoral programme to be pace of learning. Students will be via http://stir.ac.uk/5xu.
22 23Upskilling for the future Upskilling for the future
Pam Crawford the problems unique to each
(MBA 2012) pictured with organisation.
Thomas Tierney (BA Hons Programme Director Dr Mario
Business Studies 2017) Kolberg (pictured) said: “We
are delighted at the response to
the launch of our BSc Graduate
Apprenticeship in Data Science,
and we welcome those students
who have joined us. The launch
is timely and will upskill and
develop apprentices in the
workplace, ready to make a
positive impact in their company
and the Scottish economy.”
This first cohort includes employability experience to
apprentices from the Student students, and they also make a
Developing
Loan Company, Abellio, hugely positive impact on the
and several local authorities organisation. However, with
amongst others. Apprentice Covid restrictions bringing new
careers James McKenna from Scottish
Fire and Rescue said: “As a
full-time employee whose last
challenges to employers and
preventing students accessing
workplaces, the University
experience of further education quickly had to introduce virtual
was over 12 years ago, this GA alternatives.
programme has been a fantastic Pam Crawford, Head of the
opportunity. I applied to further Careers and Employability
my knowledge, skills and Service said: “University staff,
confidence as a Data Analyst. students and our contacts in
The programme’s flexible and business have responded in
The need for the University to play its part in the economic recovery, address fees covered by Scottish collaborative approach to such a positive, innovative and
the skills gaps in industry, and ensure we have employer-ready graduates, has Government funding, this learning, along with the support agile manner to the introduction
new programme provides an of my employer, has allowed me of virtual placements, projects
never been more important. to study and attend classes with
attractive and cost-effective and internships. Home working
route for organisations to minimal impact on my day-to-day actually opened up opportunities
Microcredentials – in critical areas, improving New BSc Graduate upskill their existing workforce job. I have also enjoyed being for students and businesses
go further faster workplace competencies Apprenticeship in or recruit motivated new welcomed as a full member of to work more flexibly without
and supporting career Data Science talent. Spending 80% of their the University of Stirling.” location or geography being a
This year the University
advancement. Hundreds time in the workplace and barrier. We aim to offer virtual
launched a series of free The Faculty of Natural Sciences
of places were available to 20% engaged in study, our
Virtual placements, real opportunities as an alternative
online short courses to meet has welcomed the first students
individuals living in Scotland to apprentices learn to collect, experience to traditional placements and
the needs of people wanting to its flagship Graduate
undertake courses in project manage and analyse big, fast- Industry placements and work- hope to engage more businesses
to develop their careers and Apprenticeship (GA) programme.
management, data analytics, moving data, while solving based projects provide valuable globally to work with us.”
employers looking to upskill GAs are an innovative new
and leadership in the age of
their workforce. learning model designed in
AI. The upskilling project was
Microcredentials are short supported by the Scottish collaboration with industry to For a discussion about the benefits of GAs, hosting a student internship or placement or engaging
courses which deliver specialist Funding Council’s Upskilling blend academic and work- a student in a consultancy project, email Fiona McMillan on alumni@stir.ac.uk.
knowledge and develop skills Fund. based education. With tuition
24 25Spotlight on research Spotlight on research
benefits to policy, business and environment will be at the heart circular and blue economies
Black Sea communities. of decision making. The approach and marine-based solutions
Real change can only be will facilitate and encourage and technologies.
€9m Horizon funded project to brought about by the close buy-in from external investors and The DOORS legacy will be to
cooperation between science, stimulate enterprise to support ensure the Black Sea is highly
clean up the Black Sea
policy and industry. DOORS the Green Recovery and Blue valued by creating a culture
will engage stakeholders from Growth opportunities. The aims of opportunity between
inception, share knowledge are growth and job creation in environment, inclusion and
and best-practice and work on the marine and maritime sector in economic growth. Stirling’s
Can the planet’s most resources. It is supplied by major consortium, involving the co-developing and co-creating the Black Sea region, prioritising research and impact continue
polluted sea be saved? rivers including the Danube, collaboration of 37 partners innovation action across the the sustainable development of to ensure our planet is
Dnieper and the watersheds of – including the University key actors. Challenges will be solutions and those companies better tomorrow than it was
Fish stocks and species diversity
many countries drain into the of Stirling – will combine its turned into opportunities and the oriented towards zero-polluting, yesterday.
in the Black Sea are under severe
stress as a result of decades of sea beyond the six that share regional knowledge with
Pictured on page 26, DOORS bid team from left to right: Carlos Loureiro, Kerry Bryson, Armando
human-induced pressures from its coast. In order to address state-of-the-art capability in:
Marino, Professor Andrew Tyler, Peter Hunter and Evangelos Spyrakos (not pictured but very much
pollution and eutrophication, and reverse the environmental marine science and observation;
part of the team). The bid was led by Professor Adrian Stanica, Director of GeoEcoMar in Romania and
the impacts from which have impacts, there needs to be a modelling; social and economic
Honorary Professor at Stirling. It was also supported by BT and members of the alumni family including
been compounded further by common understanding across studies; Blue Growth and
Chancellor Lord Jack McConnell, wildlife presenter Gordon Buchanan, creative director Michael Rea and
climate change. countries of the problems and entrepreneurship; societal
BAFTA award-winning cameraman Doug Allan.
then a framework to effect real engagement and environmental
The water quality deteriorated
behavioural change across the stewardship. The €9m project,
to such an extent that many
Black Sea’s complex geo-political entitled Developing Optimal
wondered whether the Black
and governance landscape. and Open Research Support
Sea might become the first
(DOORS) for the Black Sea, has
major sea devoid of life. Despite An international research secured funding from Horizon
the fragility of its ecosystem, if team from 17 countries, led 2020. It will bring together
managed effectively the Black by Romania, with detailed existing fragmented monitoring
Sea can recover and present knowledge of the whole Black efforts, deliver state-of-the
important regional Blue Growth Sea Region and its needs is art observation capability,
opportunities for the economies embarking on a new project engage individuals through
of the Black Sea countries. to develop an optimised open citizen science and provide a
The Black Sea is bordered by research support system for harmonized ‘fit for purpose’
Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, the Black Sea and create a information system and capacity
Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine framework to overcome the building framework. The aim
with a rich cultural heritage, barriers to advancing the is to ensure it is valued by the
biodiversity and natural Blue Growth agenda. The users because it maximises
26 27Spotlight on research Spotlight on research
Helping elephants tackle
climate change
In 1980, Caroline Tutin, also meticulously documented and she predicted some In 2020, Stirling and Gabonese body condition drops. Current students working on all of these
month by month the forest’s significant effects of global partners published a paper in research is concentrating on issues, to support the Gabonese
a University researcher
behaviour and the production warming. the leading journal Science, understanding these impacts. government’s aim to find
who completed her of leaves, fruit and flowers of showing that fruit production effective management solutions
The research team in the Although a tragic story, it is
doctoral studies over 1,000 individual trees. Faculty of Natural Sciences, has crashed across the Lopé an important one. Today the as rapidly as possible.
under venerated She noted the temperature, together with colleagues from forest, with climatic drivers national Elephant Protection This case study is testimony
behavioural scientist humidity and rainfall every day the Gabon National Parks being the most likely cause of Strategy is changing to include to Stirling’s engagement
without fail. At the time no the change. Elephants now
Dr Jane Goodall, went Agency, have continued to focus on assessing the impacts in Gabon. The long term
one else was engaging with collect the data. The resulting have to search five times harder of disease and nutrition, and on approach and our attention
to Africa to carry out nature in this way but these datasets held at The Station for fruiting trees and find less ensuring landscape connectivity, to excellence in natural
a pioneering census small actions have had major d’Etudes des Gorilles et fruit when they get there. so that elephants can search history ensure that we ask the
on how gorillas and significance in creating the Chimpanzes at Lopé are now Elephants are generally thinner for their food. Crop raiding right questions and use our
chimpanzees interact in data for understanding and recognised as a precious global than they were 20 years ago, mitigation measures include quantitative science to answer
predicting climate change. asset, as the only unbroken which is likely to result in
the wild. fewer pregnancies, higher
habitat enrichment rather than robustly, using our outstanding
In 1993, Caroline published record of 40 years of local relying on elephant barriers. datasets. Our research has
Gabon was the natural location her analysis showing that weather and concomitant infant mortality and lower Anti-poaching strategies must produced relevant evidence
to study ape ecology and how temperature was controlling ecological change in the whole longevity. Disease, parasites identify and protect key feeding that is informing proactive
they search for food. Caroline flowering in several species, African tropics. and stress all also increase as grounds. Stirling now has PhD policies on the ground.
28 29You can also read
