Push for a caring Scotland
By Peter Humfrey
Peter Humfrey talks about what it is like to be care experienced, and interviews experts on the topic.
Tag: Peter Humfrey
Democracy in freefall at Stirling Student Union
By Peter Humfrey
Three weeks ago a motion was passed at the Stirling Student Union, exposing the crisis unfolding there for student democracy.
The plant-based commitment motion set a target of all Student Union food outlets being 100% vegan by 2025. Whilst this has prompted great debate amongst the student population over inclusivity; viability, and the ethics of such a move, the greatest point of concern should be what in fact has happened to student democracy at the University of Stirling.
In 2021, at the first round of voting for the Student Union president, just 1159 votes were cast out of a population of roughly 15600. That year Nela Cadinanos Gonzales was elected as Union President; taking 533 votes in the first round, and 546 in the final round. The turnout for that election was the lowest for at least the past 5 years, stretching back to 2017.
Worse was still to come when in March of this year the current Student Union president was elected with just 195 votes in the first round and a shocking 209 in the final round, beating Calum Brown into second place by a nail-biting 9 votes. The Union would go on to confirm this was the lowest turnout for a Spring election “in recent years”.
In a statement at the time a Union spokesperson said – “We note that turnout was low in comparison to pre-pandemic elections and we will be working with both outgoing and incoming Officers and students to further analyse this and establish how we can encourage both more candidates to stand and more students to engage in voting”
On another concerning and unusual note, a sabbatical post had not been filled, with no-one running for Vice President Education, despite it being a full-time paid role. The Union confirmed it was the first time on record no-one had run for a sabbatical post in the Spring elections.
In a by-election called on 26th April, incumbent VP Education, Calum Brown would win with just 99 votes. No-one else stood for the post.
In what was quickly becoming a farce, Brown resigned less than two weeks later on the 6th June.
Democratic representation had hit an all-time low, and now even a core position in the Student Union, could not be filled.
Taking a step back for a moment and it is worth putting into context turnout at Stirling versus the national picture.
Above are the percentages of the student body that voted in the Spring elections for Union President the past 2 years. An already abysmal figure of 6.92% fell to just 4.12% this year, but what does that mean stacked against the national average?
Well it’s not pretty reading with an already shockingly low national average of 11.7%, partially blamed on the pandemic, vastly exceeding Stirling’s turnout. The next year shows the scale of the problem though with no pandemic to blame as the world has begun to return to normal.
Stirling could not meet even a third of the national turnout. In an on-the-record interview in the run-up to the Spring 2022 elections, VP Communities, Alyson Mackay, was asked if the sabbatical officers could claim a democratic mandate off such a low turnout. In response she would go on to say the following.
“I don’t think so. I don’t think that we can accurately say we represent students when 6% [the 6.7% turnout figure for the 2021 election] of students voted for us”
Those words confirmed that even the core of the Student Union, those at the very top, had sat up and noticed the democratic crisis. The slump to 4.1% turnout in the election, just weeks after that interview, was the nail in the coffin for the Student Union’s democratic mandate.
There is currently a Union President of whom just 209 people voted for, from a population of 16,000 students. Just 1.3%.
In statistical terms that would be within the margin of error, of zero.
So where does this leave student democracy at the Stirling Student Union?
Voting turnout in terminal decline. Major positions with no-one running for them. Sabbatical officers admitting a lack of a democratic mandate.
Where this leads us is to just three weeks ago, when the Student Union’s general meeting on the 10th November voted through the plant-based commitment motion. Just 55.4% of those attending voted for the motion, and with 127 turning up that left 70 students from a population of 17,000, voting the motion through. That’s a microscopic 0.4%, and here’s what all that looks like.
The motion was proposed by the chair of the Stirling University Labour Society, and seconded by the secretary of the Vegan and Rights for Animals Society (VERA), along with three other motions. This meant two-thirds of the meeting agenda had been proposed by those two societies.
The reality is, that in a failing democracy only the most politically active remain, and their ability to shape policy and influence a system becomes greatly enhanced. The passage of that motion was the fault of neither the proposer or the seconder. They represented their agenda and political motivations as they should.
The fault lays at the feet of the Student Union for failing to adequately tackle student apathy.
The fault lays at the feet of Brig, the student paper that failed to report the motion when it was published on the Union website a week before the meeting.
The fault lays with the 16,783 students who did not attend that meeting.
Student democracy has died here, and what remains is a deafening silence.
Swimmers, Strikes, and Sashes: It’s Graduation Day!
By Peter Humfrey
An eventful end to last week saw more than 1700 students graduate across two days that saw picket lines, a six-time Commonwealth medallist graduate, and controversy over solidarity sashes.
Graduation kicked off on Thursday against backdrop of historic strikes with UCU Stirling members picketing the University main entrance, along with 70,000 academics engaging in strike action across the UK.
The strikes and graduation inevitably crossed paths in controversial fashion when two graduands were barred from wearing sashes expressing solidarity with UCU members, as they took to the stage to graduate. This prompted outcry on twitter with many raising questions of free speech and criticising the University for it’s stance.
Stirling graduands forced to remove UCU solidarity sashes before being conferred. Poor show from those managing the graduations. @StirUniEvents @StirUni @brignewspaper #ucuRising pic.twitter.com/Pn4VmHLrLm
— UCU Stirling (@UCU_Stirling) November 25, 2022
On the Friday, 28-year-old Scottish swimmer, Ross Murdoch, graduated with an M.Sc. Sports Management degree marking an end to an astonishing journey through the University’s high performance program.
In this time he competed at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, and three Commonwealth games, amassing six medals as he became European, Commonwealth, and World champion at various points.
Ross Murdoch with his six medals, including three from Birmingham 2022. Image Credit – University of Stirling
When asked if he’d make a return to the pool, following last year’s comeback from retirement to win three medals at this years Commonwealth Games, Murdoch admitted, “I still dream about swimming every night.”
On his chances at returning for the Victoria [Australia] 2026 Commonwealth games Murdoch pointed out “I’ve not officially retired”. However cautioned against people getting their hopes up saying:
“I haven’t been training in the pool for several weeks. For me, if I still feel this type of fire in eight or nine months, I could consider the possibility of another Commonwealth Games. But training for a Games is a difficult job and I need to wait and see with everything else – and whether it balances with my life after sport.”
Ross did seem open to the prospect of returning though saying, “A Commonwealth Games is a massive thing; it really does feel like a family – that feeling of swimming for Scotland, there’s just nothing else like it.”
Ross Murdoch taking a dip with his degree. Image Credit – University of Stirling
Beyond all the excitement surround swimmers; strikes; and sashes, the University welcomed a number of honorary graduates from across a number of fields, some literal in the case of World Hill and Mountain Running champion, Dr Angela Mudge.
Mudge overcame early childhood disability to shatter record after record on her way to winning four Scottish Hill Running Championships and five British Fell Running Championships.
Dr Wackernagel. Image Credit – University of Stirling
Alongside were honorary graduates Dr Malcom Fairweather, for his work as a sports scientist; and Dr Mathis Wackernagel, President of the Global Footprint Network and sustainability champion.
Billy’s back in new exhibition exploring Bremner’s Raploch roots
By Peter Humfrey
Delving into the past of Scotland and Leeds international, Billy Bremner, researchers at the University of Stirling have worked with the local community to unearth new memories from Billy’s life.
The online exhibition features key details about a confident and gifted boy from the Raploch, born William John Bremner, in 1942. Billy was described as sure of himself, even “brash”, and this would translate into his skill with a football, and his no-nonsense play at Leeds United.
The exhibition is the sum of work from researcher, Professor Richard Haynes, who has worked closely with St Modan’s High, where he went to school, and the Raploch community Billy once frequented. The project also includes a heritage trail starting at the Raploch Community Campus passing through the streets Bremner used to call home before finishing near Sainsburys, where Gowanhill United used to be based. There is also a campaign to create a memorial here for Billy.
Haynes underlined Billy’s stardom in the 1960s and 70s and underlined how important it was to preserve local stories now as his friends and acquaintances enter old age. He stressed that “ these memories were in danger of being lost for good.”
Gowanhill United 1957-58, Billy Bremner at the front on the left.
Image Credit – Fae Raploch to Elland Road Exhibition, University of Stirling
Bremner started off his youth career at Gowanhill United before eventually moving to Leeds United, racking up a massive 587 caps and 91 goals from midfield.
Billy’s decision to head south was surprising considering his love of Celtic but, in the exhibition, William McQuillian recounts how Billy’s French teacher, Mr Sykes, told Bremner not to play for the Hoops, but to “get yourself south”.
After his time at Leeds, Bremner would play for a few seasons at Hull City, before finishing his career at Doncaster Rovers.
Working his way up from the Scotland Schoolboys, Bremner would go on to rack up 54 caps and 3 goals over a decade of appearances for the Scotland national team. He is generally considered by many to be one of the greatest players to ever represent Scotland, and turned out for the famous 3-2 victory at Wembley in 1967. Billy would go on to captain his country in the 1974 World Cup, with the team coming within goal difference of getting out of a group containing Yugoslavia and defending world champions, Brazil.
In covering this exhibition The Stirling Scope has reached out on social media to Stirling locals for their memories and stories of Billy. Amongst the many replies it was impossible to find a bad word said by anyone, showing how loved Bremner was as a larger-than-life figure.
A former chief technician from the university, Bob Lavery, 69, attended St Modan’s and later worked there. He described how Bremner was looked upon as “a real hero” at the school. He went on to outline a funny story about Mr Sykes and some graffiti that said “BB is brilliant”.
Billy Bremner at a photo call for Leeds in 1960.
Image Credit – Fae Raploch to Elland Road Exhibition, University of Stirling
“He at first thought the graffiti was Brigitte Bardot [a famous French actress]. He didn’t approve but he said at least the pupils are interested in something French! He was relieved to hear that it was in fact Billy Bremner the graffiti was about!”
He went on to talk about how he’d seen Bremner play on a few occasions for Scotland and seen Billy score for Leeds United in the European Cup semi final against Celtic in 1970.
“He opened the scoring with a stunning goal! The crowd at Hampden was and still is the record crowd for a European match, Billy Bremner actually silence around 140,00 fans! The ground was silent after the goal. Fortunately Celtic back and won 2-1 to reach the final”
Another local, Neil Mcrobbie, 59, talks about how “When I was very young in the Cornton he srtopped and had a kick about with us! Always been my favourite non Celtic footballer!”
Bremner would later enjoy a career in management taking in two stints at Doncaster Rovers, seperated by a 3 year period, 1985-1988, as Leeds United manager.
In his final years Bremner resided in the village of Clifton, near Doncaster, where he sadly passed away from a suspected heart attack in 1997, days before his 55th birthday.
Bremner memorial flagstone at Riverside Walk on the heritage trail
Image Credit – Fae Raploch to Elland Road Exhibition, University of Stirling
A researcher from the project, Dr Karen Fisher praised the reactions and summed up what he meant to those who engaged with project.
“It was an honour to talk to people who knew Billy as a friend before he became the footballing legend, and to record their thoughts. Their pride and affection for him shone through as they spoke about his talent, his humour and sense of fun, his loyalty to his friends, his love of Raploch and the fact that he never really left this behind, even when miles away playing and then managing.”
For those wishing to find out more about Billy’s journey “Fae Raploch to Elland Road” [Leeds United’s home ground], you can find the exhibition and information about the heritage walk here.
McGill sends History Boys to 4th Round Tangerine Dream
By Peter Humfrey
History was made earlier this week as the University of Stirling’s Men’s football team were drawn to play topflight side Dundee United away, in the Scottish Cup.
The side, who currently sit second in the Lowland League, made history after becoming the first University side in Scottish history to make the 4th round of the Scottish Cup.
Euan McGill celebrates win against Albion Rovers – Image Credit: George Vekic
Their place in the hat was assured after a weekend victory over Scottish League Two side Albion Rovers, 1-0, in a tense encounter, with midfielder Euan McGill tapping home a winner in the 111th minute.
They will now face 12th-placed Scottish Premiership side, Dundee United, nicknamed “the Tangerines” on the weekend beginning 21st January.
Former striker-turned manager, Chris Geddes has said he was “absolutely delighted” with the historic result.
On the win he said “the players put in a phenomenal performance, their best of the season so far, and deserve all the plaudits they will receive on the back of this”
Ahead of the Fourth Round draw he was full of praise for their “outstanding performances all season” speaking on how they were “being rewarded for their efforts.”
The result, from a club in existence less than a decade, came against fourth tier side Albion Rovers, who currently sit 7th in the league above the University’s team.
Midfielder and Captain – Matthew Berry – Image Credit: University of Stirling Football Club
Speaking after the victory, captain Matthew Berry, hailed “the morale, the attitude and the work rate” from his teammates underlining the bond in team; “we are so together both on and off the pitch.”
Before the draw Berry said “To make history in the Scottish Cup is incredible”, going on to talk of the team’s anticipation for the fourth round.
“We can’t wait for the next round – a Premiership tie would be amazing!”
Following the draw, Geddes stressed there were a lot of games before that they need to focus on but that it’s an “exciting game for the whole club and University” and that the “boys will be really looking forward to it”
This marks quite the year for manager Geddes, who was named Scottish Student Sport Coach of the Year after leading his side to consecutive titles in the British and Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Premier North Division.
Manager – Chris Geddes (37) – Image Credit: University of Stirling Football Club
The fourth round tie will be played at the 14,000 capacity Tannadice Park, in Dundee.
Whilst ticketing information has not yet been released, it is expected the team will take a small contingent of away fans and The Stirling Scope will keep fans up-to-date with any travel arrangements made by the club or the University.
The setting sees big change for the side who are more accustomed to playing at the 3,800 capacity Forthbank Stadium, who they share with Scottish League Two side, Stirling Albion.
Stirling Albion enjoyed their own magical fourth round tie at the beginning of this year, travelling to Ibrox, where they lost 4-0 to Old Firm giants, Rangers.
A Lament that Lacks
By Peter Humfrey
Earlier this month the ‘A Lament for Power’ exhibition opened at the Tolbooth, as part of the Stirling Science Festival and coinciding with Black History Month.
The Lament takes the form of a digitally animated short film, from artists, Larry Achiampong and David Blandy, that explores “ the ethics of scientific discovery” inspired by the true story of Henrietta Lacks, or ‘HeLa’.
It cycles through various scenes, starting with a wooden hut, moving through a lab, a hospital campus, a slum, and corridors with a voiceover that explores the concepts of ownership and exploitation in the name of scientific discovery.
The context for the piece comes from the story of Henrietta Lacks, a black woman who was diagnosed with cancer in 1951 at John Hopkins hospital, in the US. A sample was taken and, unlike others collected up to that point, the cells in the sample survived and multiplied.
The cells became known as “immortal” and to this day have directly contributed to breakthroughs in cancer treatment, vaccinations, and a wide variety of other medical treatments.
What makes this story so compelling and controversial is that, whilst the cells are being used even today, the Lacks family did not become aware of, nor were asked consent for the usage of the cells until the mid-70s.
The Henrietta Lacks story has prompted introspection about consent and privacy issues with some, including presumably the artists for the Lament, viewing the usage of her cells as exploitation.
Whilst the piece explores a profoundly important and incredibly interesting piece of recent history, it lacks the emotional punch that the topic should evoke. The animation feels very basic, almost dated, and comical, and the dialogue feels monotonous at points, droning away in the background. There will be many that can engage with this piece but for those with short attention spans or an inability to focus easily the Lament lacks any real pull. The piece definitely isn’t one that will appeal to children which is a disappointment as the topic is compelling and an important lesson for younger generations on the impact and contribution made by a person of colour.
Credit must be given though to Achiampong and Blandy, who have delved into a topic that few, if any, will have given much thought to and given much-needed exposure to a historical figure of who many people are unaware. Illustrating this exact point is that of the 20 or so people I have discussed this exhibition with; students, taxi drivers, cleaners, and people from all walks of life; just one had heard of Henrietta Lacks. This person was a high school biology teacher.
The story of Henrietta Lacks is one that is woefully unknown and unappreciated, so whilst the piece isn’t particularly engaging it is something I could recommend to at least go and sit throw the 4-5 minutes that piece lasts.
The Lament comes against the backdrop of Black History Month, which runs throughout October, with the exhibition being in the Tolbooth from the 6th to 29th October. The exhibition is free to all and comes as the result of a 9-month residency by Achiampong and Blandy at the University of Essex.
Stirling gets starry-eyed for observatory
By Peter Humfrey
The Observatory has opened it’s doors for the evening as part of the Stirling Science Festival, giving locals a chance to see inside one of the city’s hidden gems.
The event, yesterday evening, was hosted by the Stirling Astronomical Society, the custodians of the observatory and it’s Newtonian reflector telescope.
More than 120 people attended, greatly exceeding expectations, with chairman, Deirdre Bryce, describing the turnout as “excellent”
Groups of people were taken up a narrow spiral stairway to the roof of the old High School, now Stirling Highland Hotel, and from there into the small wooden observatory.
Observatory guide, Bert Mackenzie, was on hand to talk about the observatory and explain the use of the 133-year-old telescope and answer questions from visitors.
The plan had been to gaze out at giants such as Saturn, Jupiter, and Earth’s closest planetary neighbour, Mars. Sadly the weather had other ideas and, faced with poor visibility the telescope was instead pointed at the Wallace Monument to show off its powerful zoom.
Chairman Deirdre Bryce, the society’s first female chairperson, spoke of how it was “very nice to know people are interested enough to turnout to something they didn’t know existed”
Speaking to The Stirling Scope, Bryce spoke of her path into astronomy, with a Christmas present of a telescope from her eldest son, before joining both Falkirk and Stirling’s astronomical societies when she moved north to Scotland.
The observatory has a storied history, dating back to 1889, being a gift from then MP for Stirling Burghs, Henry Campbell-Bannerman, who was later knighted and went on to serve as Prime Minister from 1905 to 1908. The observatory tower was designed by former pupil, and architect, James McLaren, who sadly died before it’s completion.
The centre-piece of the observatory, the 9ft telescope, was designed, constructed and installed in 1889 by 27yr-old, and later knighted, William Peck, City Astronomer of Edinburgh. From 1906 onward it fell into disuse until the appearance of Comet Kohoutek in 1974 prompted staff and pupils to begin work on restoring the old telescope. By April of that year the telescope was restored and has been used regularly ever since.
For those inspired by last night’s event, or who simply have the time, next week on Tuesday is a partial solar eclipse. For those viewing the eclipse it is advised you do not stare directly at it but instead make use of a pinhole viewer, of which the instructions on how to make one are available online.
Anyone interested in joining the society or seeing what it’s all about they meet on the last Friday of each month at the Stirling Highland Hotel. Other than it’s historic telescope in the observatory, the society also has an array of smaller telescopes they loan out to members.