Pages 1, 32 Final 06/05/2009 18:04 Page 1

FR
EE

Into the Wild

dinburgh
Foraging for food in E

Chutes
Holidays at home and abroad

No place like home

Meet Edinburgh’s
hottest band

Mark Beaumont The man who cycled the world

SUMMER FESTIVALS :: SMART DRUGS :: BUDGET WEDDINGS

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iMPULSE­ 09
6­Summer­festivals

SUMMER­
ENTERTAINMENT
Interview - Janet De Vigne 5 Editors’ letter
Summer festivals 6 Welcome to iMPULSE, your
Hot local bands 8 indispensable summer read taking you
through the warmer months with our
fresh and vibrant outlook on all things
12­South­Africa
ISSUES you need to know.
Orthorexia 11 Turn the pages to find interviews
Crime and sport in South Africa 12 with round-the-world cyclist Mark
Beamount (p27) as well as some of
Smart drugs: the smart choice? 13 Edinburgh’s hottest new bands (p8).
We take a quirky, alternative look at
LIFESTYLE the recession, with tips on how to get
through the hard times (p18), to ideas
Weddings on a budget 14 on where to take your summer holiday
Urban foraging 15 (p24) and how to have that dream
Haunted Edinburgh 16 wedding (p14) – all on a budget!
We also delve into the more serious
Recessions tips 18 side of life with a look at why an
Edinburgh for free 19 increasing number of young adults are
Summer fashion trends 20 turning to drugs in a bid to reach
success (p13).
iMPULSE is Edinburgh Napier
16­Haunted­Edinburgh TRAVEL University’s student magazine and is
Staying at home 22 produced by third-year students in the
Journalism and Publishing degrees.
Around the world 24 From the writing to the designing to
the funding – it’s all been done by us.
SPORTS It’s been tough but we hope you’ll agree
that the result is something special.
Alternative summer sports 26
Interview - Mark Beaumont 27 Gemma & Peter
Goodbye to Silverstone 30 Editors

EDITORS: Gemma Haigh, Peter Simpson DEPUTY EDITORS: Frances Allan, Paul
McCabe EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS: Meghan Brown, Myles Edwards PRODUCTION
24­Thailand EDITORS: Natalie Leask, Gillian Swinton FEATURES EDITORS: Suhayl Afzal, Barry

FRONT COVER IMAGE: OnEdition

Begg, Mike Gerrity, Angelique Joly DESIGN & PICTURE EDITORS: Lisa Fleming, Kirsty
Topping ADVERTISING EDITORS: Lori Carnochan, Andrea Molloy PRODUCTION
TEAM: Michelle Ho, Jonathan Kaney, Megan Kelly, Douglas Neilson, Jamie Swanson

iMPULSE 0­9
ADVERTISING TEAM: Kate Caldwell, Emma Craig, Edward Crossan, Fiona Kirkcaldy,
Anja Sajdok, Joyce Yip CONTRIBUTORS: Simon Crosbie, Andrew Donaldson, Nicola
Haggarty, David Maxwell, Shanaz Miah, Fiona Mitchell, Olivia Scott, Luci Wallace
THANKS TO: Derek, Dave, Kate, Bill and all at the School of Arts and Creative Industries,
THE­TEAM Edinburgh Napier University

“ Job’s a guid ’un ” 27­Mark­Beaumont

PRINTED BY:
Check out the iMPULSE website at impulse09.wordpress.com
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Entertainment Entertainment

it’s going to be good’. I mean, who’d turn down the While the film’s success has helped De Vigne's
chance to work with him?” career, her experiences of India have stayed with her.
As for India, Janet describes her time there as “a “When you’re standing there, in front of the Taj
real culture shock”. The cast was constantly hassled by Mahal, and it looks like it’s just floating, and you’re
the real slumdogs and the grinding poverty was surrounded by the best and the worst of humanity, it’s
obvious, even at the Taj Mahal. hard to put into words. It was a life-changing
“There was great poverty, and a lot of people with experience.”
extreme disabilities, but none of them seemed sad or
downcast. They almost seemed too busy to be
depressed.”
The film has come in for criticism for its portrayal
of India. While the rags-to-riches story has captured
the world's imagination, the young cast still live in and
around Mumbai's slums. In April the father of
Rubiana Ali , who played the young Latika, allegedly
tried to sell her for £200,000.
De Vigne's time on set led her to work with Scottish
Love in Action on charity screenings of Slumdog, and
when she approached Boyle for his thoughts, she was
pleasantly surprised.
“He hadn’t been back in the UK because awards
season had kicked off, but he sent me a postcard
saying how proud all of us, and the people of India,
should be," she adds.
"He really displays all the qualities of a truly great
“ It was a life-changing experience

”
Simply
person, both personally and professionally.”

W
hen Edinburgh opera singer and actor
Janet De Vigne was contacted by a
casting agent in December 2007, she
could never have imagined that it
would lead to her being in Slumdog Millionaire, which
scooped eight Academy Awards.

De Vigne
Yet the simple tale of a Mumbai street urchin who
sets out to find the love of his life through the Indian
version of ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ turned into
a worldwide smash hit.
Her audition for the part of Ada was far from
Slumdog Millionaire image courtesy of Pathe Distribution Ltd
WORDS: Peter Simpson IMAGES: William Relton, Ian Watson;

normal. “I got a call from the producers, asking if I

could come to an audition," said De Vigne. "I don’t
think they realised that I was in Edinburgh, but when
iMPULSE talks to I told them they said I should do the audition on
screen and send it down.”

Edinburgh actress One borrowed computer later and it was done. “The
weird thing about doing it on the Mac was that I could

Janet De Vigne about see myself auditioning as I was doing it, which was a
bit off-putting”.
Within days De Vigne was whisked away to the Taj
appearing in one of Mahal, to play a German tourist taken on a comical
tour by a group of street kids on the make.
the year’s biggest De Vigne is a regular singer with Edinburgh Grand
Opera and has acted on stage in Edinburgh, Glasgow
films, Slumdog and Pitlochry. The chance to work with the esteemed
Boyle was too good to miss. “I really knew nothing
Millionaire about the film when we started, but when I saw
Danny’s name on the script I thought ‘If he’s involved

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Entertainment

Sounds
And if you get
Montreux Jazz Festival
bored...

of the
With previous performers such as Ray
Not everyone going to this summer’s
Charles and Deep Purple, Montreux stands
festivals will be there for the music –
as the best-known music festival in
there’s a whole world of things going on
Switzerland, and is Europe’s most
away from the crowds. T In The Park hosts

Summer
prestigious and respected jazz festival.
a silent disco every year, as well as the
Despite the name, the festival incorporates
recent event of dress up Friday, specifically
many musical elements, although jazz does
aimed at the happy campers. If you dare to
remain a vital and celebrated part of it.
step out of the main arenas at Glastonbury
The festival is held in a large convention
you could find yourself in one of the
centre and casino on the shores of Lake
theatres or circuses which fill 3 fields at
Geneva, acting as an intimate setting, with
the festival, where around 1,200 shows are
iMPULSE looks at this the campsite only metres away. This year
performed over the entire weekend. If the
T in The Park Benicassim the runs from the 3rd to the 18th of July,
summer’s music festivals making it one of the longer, more unique
music at Benicassim gets a bit boring, then
take a stroll along the nearby beach. The
T in The Park the premier Scottish festival Located bang in the middle of the Spanish European festivals.
summer festivals are jam-packed with lots
Whether this is the first time you’ve is again set to warm up even the coldest of summer in Valencia, Benicassim offers a
of fun things to do – oh, and there’s some
donned your thick sunglasses and straw nights with its potent cocktail of culture, beach setting on the shores of the
music as well.
hat (to protect against the beer-flavoured euphoric atmosphere and brilliantly varied Mediterranean sea along with the cream of
rain) the summer of 2009 is set to be a acts. The ever-expanding festival caters to the musical crop. Internationally
great year to check out the festival everyone from riff-loving indie students to renowned Kings of Leon are the main
atmosphere around Europe. Ranging from
the great British hippie-inspired musical
aging hippie rockers. Tucked in the lush
setting of Balado, Kinross, the festival
headline this year. The festival focuses
mainly on alternative rock and electronica
Rock Werchter
haunts to the sunnier beach hosts over 80,000 musical fans who as well as offering festival goers Said to be Europe’s growing “Big Gun” fes-
extravaganzas, this year festival fever will annually descend upon the unused airfield alternatives such as theatre, fashion, art tival, Rock Wercher, situated in Belgium is
WORDS: Meghan Brown, Emma Craig and Olivia Scott IMAGES: Gordon Tervit (flickr:dcvr), Megan Kelly

be running high! for 4 days of hygienically questionable and film. It lasts three days, from the 16th a 4-day international band tribute
camping in the intoxicating Scottish to the 19th of July, however campers are crammed full of beer, waffles and the odd
Glastonbury countryside. The music itself is a dazzling
variety of rock, indie, metal, punk, techno,
urged from the 13th to set up home for the
next week or so! The campsite is a fair
chocolate, shunning the traditional festi-
val grease. The festival runs from
The world-renowned festival gets more house and even ceilidh. 2009 has a line-up walk from the main venue, tempting many Thursday the 3rd to Sunday the 6th of
popular every year with its unique mix of of around 180 artists including festival weary campers to sleep on the pristine July with Radiohead as headliners, along
music, art and other alternative favourites Bloc Party and The Killers beach instead. An estimated 150,000 with The Prodigy, Oasis, Elbow and many
entertainment. This year it runs between sharing the 11 stages with talented people are thought to be heading to others.
the 24th and 28th of June and will again newcomers such as Blood Red Shoes, Benicassim this year, ready to experience

THE ESSENTIAL FESTIVAL SURVIVAL KIT

be in South West England between the White Lies and Australian favourites The the sun, sand, sea and whatever else may
small villages of Pilton and Pylle. Presets. encourage them to shake their Spanish
Highlights this year include Glaswegian castanets!
be nothing

“ a festival would
indie rockers Franz Ferdinand, along with
headliners Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young
are the iMPULSE brings you its six essential tips for surviving this summer’s festivals...
and the reformed Blur. Notorious for its a d s o f m ates to sh
without lo
rain and mud-filled fields, revellers should
expect to gain a new skin of thick English
mud. Roskilde
experience
” Toilet roll: Probably the most impor-
tant item in your bag. Trust us. Festival
toilets are not nice and generally don’t
Something large and inflatable:
TV cameras love that sort of thing, and it’s
fun to be on TV. Also, everything seems
Roskilde, located 25 miles from have toilet roll, soap, or even dry floors. easier and more fun when one of you is
Copenhagen, is due to host another holding an inflatable cactus. A flag works
sell-out festival. It’s famed for its diverse Face wipes: Ideal in the morning when in pretty much the same way and is easier
entertainment with alternative activities you wake up with your name written on to carry.
such as skating, rock climbing and a your forehead. Doubles up as an in-tent
multitude of arty distractions aimed at shower when you feel just a bit disgusting.
Glow-in-the-dark facepaint:
enthralling the crowds. It lasts eight days, Which could be quite often.
Pointless. Awesome.
the first four being a warm-up before the
music begins on the 2nd of July. This year Lots of friends: A festival would be DO NOT TAKE: Your iPod. Just
will see the likes of Coldplay, Slipknot, nothing without loads of mates to share
Madness and Cancer Bats, emphasising the experience. Bring as many as you can -
don’t. Or anything else that you
the diverse mix of sounds. ones who enjoy singing ‘Journey’ loudly would be absolutely gutted
when walking back to the campsite. about losing.
6 iMPULSE Summer 2009
iMPULSE09.wordpress.com 7
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CHUTES
Entertainment
Entertainment Entertainment

FROM Blog On!

THE HIP
B
logging: what do you reckon? A wondrous viral world of entertain-
ment and knowledge giving a previously unheard voice to the
hidden masses, or a load of mind-numbing twaddle typed by friend-
less creeps sitting in their pants in the dark? Probably a bit of both
to be honest, but one bonus of the whole blogging trend is that it’s a great
way to get hold of free music. And some Scottish sites are among the best of
Exciting times the lot.
Jim Clark has been running a blog called The Vinyl Villain for over two

ahead for years and receives over 700 hits a day: “The main purpose remains the idea of
getting folk to listen to the sort of music that I’ve most enjoyed over the past
30 plus years, and in particular to try
Edinburgh’s and provide an opportunity to listen to
tracks that may otherwise have either
music revival been forgotten about or are hard to
track down digitally or on CD, with a

“ Edinburgh’s music scene is

currently enjoying a positive time
”
heavy emphasis on bands/singers from
Scotland.”
Over at a blog called The Pop Cop,
Jason Cranwell has a very specific
purpose in mind, “To promote what’s

F
or a while it seemed as if the formed through gigging together, partying where the amps were poor, drums were room, I would say we have a great space for happening in the Scottish music scene
Edinburgh music scene was stut- together and discussing music and life.” broken, PA system not big enough and recording that a lot of places in Edinburgh – this can include Scottish artists,
tering, aided by a council that It is clear that Chutes feel resentment at microphones looking like you may catch don’t have. We have a spacious live room, non-Scottish artists who are playing in
was hell bent on destroying it the council’s lack of respect for the music something off them,” the band say. “So we and separate vocal booth and amp booth. I Scotland, or artists who have some sort of Scottish link.” In addition to this
entirely. With venues closing down instead scene: “Edinburgh has always faced wanted to make somewhere we would be would say our choice of gear is different to Jason also organises the Music Alliance Pact, where over 20 blogs throughout
of opening, and a fire that closed one of problems with venues shutting down and happy rehearsing in.” anyone else, which we feel is why people the world share their favourite song from their country on the 15th of every
the only decent live music venues in the the council do not exactly go out of their Many of Edinburgh’s top bands now opt should come down ‘cos we are getting month.
city – The Liquid Room, things were far way to help the local scene.” for their services and it has become a kind some ace sounds and also our prices are However, there are those that frown upon giving away music for free. Some
from upbeat. However, they are spirited in their of musical community. So, how does The fair for the current climate; bands ain’t got people have been taken to court and even jailed because of it. But as Jason
Edinburgh has always lived in Glasgow’s expression of where things in Edinburgh Depot compare to other recording studios? any money!” points out: “PR companies hired by artists sanction the use of certain free
musical shadow. It has never been able to are going after the recent success Broken “With regards to the actual recording It must be a dream come true for a band mp3 downloads, and a lot of artists encourage bloggers to post individual
compete with the likes of King Tut’s, the Records (another Edinburgh band) have to be able to call these facilities home and songs because they appreciate the benefits they get in terms of increased
Barrowlands and the 02 Academy. had signing to 4ad. They hope it will that is exactly what Chutes do. “We can exposure.” Jim doesn’t support the sort of file sharing where whole LPs are
Recently however, it has become more shine a light on the many brilliant bands take our time perfecting our music,” they made available to download just as they have been made available to buy,
evident that the capital no longer cares, in Edinburgh, such as Meursault, Jesus say. “It is a home for us to work in.” which is why he has a policy of never putting up new songs.
WORDS: Barry Begg IMAGES: Sara Simmons

they are going it alone and a striving local H. Foxx, We See Lights, Y’all is Fantasy 2009 promises to be an exciting time for So, with all the time (and slight expense) that can be involved, is blogging

WORDS: Paul McCabe IMAGE: Ryan Dunn

music scene has emerged. Island and themselves. They say: “There the Edinburgh music scene, The Depot and worth it? Unsurprisingly both say yes. “I’ve met maybe six or so fellow
Local band Chutes are the perfect are also a couple of new venues opening Chutes. On the back of memorable gigs at bloggers in the flesh and one of them has become a close friend so it’s a great
example of the upturn in the city’s music such as The Bowery on Roxburgh Place, T in the Park, Rockness and the opening of social activity,” says Jim. “And I also have to say that it’s great for the ego
revival. The 5-piece band have been which strive to put on unique events.” The Picture House, where Chutes when you get a positive response via the comments or e-mails to something
playing gigs in Edinburgh for some time Chutes are in a more privileged supported Idlewild, they have been busy you’ve written.”
and are excited about the changes that are position than most bands. Two of the finishing recording their EP, which is Jason points out: “Everybody gets a thrill from discovering great new
taking place: “The Edinburgh music scene band members, Craig Ross and Stuart released this summer. An EP that is bands and being the first to tell their friends about them before they get
is currently enjoying a positive time. Bands Brunton, opened the doors to The influenced by Edinburgh, love, loss and famous, so a blog takes that one step further by giving you the chance to tell
and promoters no longer strive to be Depot – their very own practice rooms lust, it’s bound to grab more than just strangers from around the world who are visiting your website.”
compared to Glasgow and are comfortable and recording studios – in January attention. So check out the blogs, get some great free music and support the artists.
producing music that is varied and 2008. So, why did they do it? “We were depotstudios.com thevinylvillain.blogspot.com
exciting. There is a sense of community all sick and tired of turning up at practice, myspace.com/chutesmusic thepopcop.blogspot.com

8 iMPULSE Summer 2009 iMPULSE09.wordpress.com 9

Pages 8, 9, 10, 11 Final edit:Layout 1 06/05/2009 18:07 Page 10

Entertainment Issues

WATCH THIS BASS… Unhealthy

iMPULSE talks to the cream of Edinburgh’s musical crop
Obsession
e truth behind the frightening dangers of Orthorexia

S
ix years ago, Kate Finn died from sive with healthy eating, and I was so unit of Beth Israel Hospital in Boston
eating too healthily. Desperate to happy when someone finally came up with where she was put on anti-depressants –
cure the problems with her diges- a term for it,” she says. “Orthorexia is the orthorexic’s biggest enemy. Kate wrote
tive system, the 37-year-old, from mostly stemmed from a need for certain- in Beyond Vegetarianism: “I felt very mis-
Rhode Island, had jumped between ty, moral purity and simplicity. So, even understood. They thought I had this fear
extreme diets of occasional fasting, and a though orthorexics believe that their diet of being fat, whereas my focus and goal in
mixture of raw and junk food. Not only is healthy, their underlying motivation is all the diets I had tried had always been
TOMMY KAY SVENGALI THE VIBE did her problems persist but she was also an anxiety to control their weight.” health. I totally resisted the idea of taking
Best known for his blinding sets at They played the Barrowlands after just Bath tubs, cheese and knickers – it can facing significant weight loss and lethargy The current social pressures of healthy antidepressants, which seemed so anti-
Luvely, Tommy Kay is definitely the liveli- five months together and after a year had only be an after party with The Vibe. The when practicing her extreme diets. One of eating create the perfect environment for natural. (But) I was also worried that if I
est and probably one of Edinburgh’s most their first single released. It’s all about five piece formed in October 2008, and her cleansing rituals had brought 5 foot 8 orthorexics to thrive. Kate’s eating habits didn't take them, I wouldn't be let out of
popular and best DJs on the house music three guys – Svengali. have been hitting the Edinburgh music inches tall Kate down to just six stone. included eating the majority of her food the hospital.” Deanne Jade said that the
scene. “You go to this place to see your scene hard, gaining interest and A term coined by Californian Dr Steve right before bed, which, contrary to what resistance for treatment and reluctance to
Known as Tommy Gallo for his Flaunt heroes,” Niall says. “And we’re walking in popularity. Bratman in 1996, orthorexia is an obses- she had thought, actually caused small admit their problems are the biggest
residency, this side of Tommy focuses on the stage door thinking, man, Oasis This is a band who are all about sion with healthy eating where sufferers blockages in her small intestines and rid obstacles to recovery. “They usually think
more vocal and funky house tunes while played here. You get goose pimples.” honesty. Bruce, lead guitarist says: are only concerned about the purity of her of any appetite. But to the orthorexic, there’s nothing wrong with them, which is
his Luvely residency allows him to play Niall, bass guitarist, says: “Scott’s “Myself and Chris were in a band together their foods. these odd and most often dangerous

“
Dutch house which creates a much always had songs, he’s been writing for before this…and then we found these two It is not yet an official medical diagno- behaviors are rewarding, if not, necessary
tougher sound. years. The three of us love music so we’ve lovely characters kicking around. It was a sis but is used by practitioners who have to survive. “She was so absorbed with
One of her cleansing rituals
Tommy explains: “The musical contrast got a common bond with that.” mixture of fate and magic.” seen the damaging results of the condi- cleansing her body of toxins ... that was
had brought 5 foot 8 inches tall Kate
between what I play at Luvely and what According to Scott their sound is “very Influenced by all kinds of music, they tion. Deanne Jade, the founder of the her lifelong goal,” said Kate’s sister, Erin in

”
WORDS: Frances Allan and Gemma Haigh IMAGES: Siobhan Stewart

Flaunt play is phenomenal but they liked Oasis, Stone Roses and The Who. Imagine described their sound as an “effective National Centre for Eating Disorders, says an interview last year. “The beautiful, down to just six stone
the energy that I had so we came up with those three scrambled together… but mixture” of heavy metal and 90s indie. that this so-called “new-found condition” vibrant Kate had really become someone
the idea of going under a different name.” maybe not as good!” They tell us that one song can sound like is old news. that looked much older. People would
Making his sets lively and enjoying It’s a huge achievement but bringing The Coral and the next can sound totally “For a very long time, I was dealing stare.” In November 1995, Kate’s family
them is Tommy’s main priority and out their single ‘The Start of the Scene’ different. “Variety – that’s the word of the with patients and friends who were obses- finally put her into the eating disorder why treating them could be so difficult,”
rightly so; it creates an electric and creating a music video has really put day,” says Bruce. she said. “Most of them will say ‘I’m just
atmosphere when the DJ spinning the the icing on the cake. Whistlebinkies is the band’s favourite trying to control my weight’ and some-

WORDS: Joyce Yip IMAGES: Kirsty Topping

tunes is into it as much as the crowd. “It was amazing going into a studio,” place to play in the city, because there is times they even take pride in saying ‘I
Tommy’s highlight so far was playing at Scott says. “I probably enjoyed that more always a good crowd: “It’s always a good don’t eat X, Y and Z’ at a dinner party.”
the Pukka Up boat parties in Ibiza last than the gigs.” atmosphere,” says Chris, although if they But while a cure is yet to be discovered,
summer for 200 nutters. “You think it just Scott adds: “At the end of the gig when could only play one more gig, then it prevention is not far from our fingertips.
can’t get any better than this!” Tommy people come up to you and shake your would be in the sky, “because the sky’s the Susan Pryde, the head of Food Standard
says. hand, it’s amazing.” limit,” drummer Matt said. Diet Nutrition Policy, said the key to
And he’ll be back this summer to rock Besides marrying all five members of On after-parties: “Let’s just say that the healthy eating is maintaining a balanced
the White Isle some more but don’t worry Girls Aloud, they “want to be a band that last one involved Chris, a pile of women’s lifestyle. Eat your five fruit and veg, stay
if you’re not going, Tommy can still be matters to people to make music that knickers, a bath tub and a block of cheese. active, drink plenty of water, while the
found at his monthly residences of Luvely people can connect with and have fun But we can’t elaborate!” occasional treat is fine.
and Flaunt. doing it.”
myspace.com/tommykaytommygallo myspace.com/svengaliedinburgh thevibelive.co.uk

10 iMPULSE Summer 2009 iMPULSE09.wordpress.com 11

Pages 12, 13 Final edit :Layout 1 06/05/2009 18:08 Page 12

& THE SMART CHOICE?

Side Effects
The addictive quality of Ritalin means
that prolonged abuse can build up

With South Africa hosting two major iMPULSE investigates the staggering resistance so that tolerance develops,
much like alcohol. The dangers posed to
a previously healthy brain are unknown,
international sporting events in the health risks being taken by students as the drugs have not yet been made
next twelve months, iMPULSE takes a and young professionals trying to available long enough to determine the
long term side effects.
look at the Rainbow Nations’s struggle It is known that prescription drugs
with violence
get ahead can upset the delicate balance between
neurotransmitters in the brain that can
This summer at least fifty thousand rugby fans from across Britain Inside the country there are genuine fears that South Africa’s What Are Smart Drugs? induce mania, affect the heart and lead
and Ireland will descend on South Africa to follow the British Lions turn in the spotlight could be marred by violence. In a recent ‘Smart drugs’ include Dexedrine, Modafinil and Ritalin. They are used to to suicidal thoughts.
on their first tour of the country in twelve years. Next summer, the survey, 53% of South Africans said they were worried that the treat medical conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and are
country plays host to the FIFA World Cup, with similar numbers of country’s history of violent crime could ruin the 2010 World worryingly now being used by the UK’s student and working population to
Brits expected to travel. Cup. But despite widespread talk of South Africa’s crime help them study and work for longer, reducing the need for sleep and even
While the sporting competition will be tough, it will be problem, tourism remains a major part of the country’s curbing hunger. Other Methods
nothing in comparison with the violence facing some of the economy. Official figures show that the tourist trade is worth 21 year-old Chris, a student at a Scottish university, took Ritalin whilst There is a more healthy and advisable
route to raising awareness and mental
WORDS: Peter Simpson IMAGES: Mediasouthafrica.com

country’s forty-three million citizens on a daily basis. 60 billion Rand (£4billion) per annum with over half-a-million studying. “I was struggling to stay awake,” he says. “I was worried about the
In 2001 the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Brits heading to South Africa every year. side effects so I only took one. An American exchange student had offered agility. Rather than bombarding the
released a study of sixty countries across the globe. South Africa Of those, an estimated 12% complained of security and them to me. I could not believe how well it worked! I did not even need to body with coffee and high amounts of

WORDS: Shanaz Miah IMAGES: Wikimedia.com

ranked second for assault, second for murder, and first for rape. safety worries. Rhona Eistetter of the South African Tourist stop to eat and I managed to stay up and concentrate for hours on end.” Red Bull, you could help boost your
Violent crime rates in the country have fallen over the past decade, Board said; “We do receive inquiries about the security in our brain with simple, good old-fashioned
but that’s where the good news stops. country. The basic safety precautions are the same in South How Do They Work? exercise. It increasese the flow to the
According to official statistics from both countries, you’re still Africa as anywhere in the world. It is not yet known why these so-called ‘smart drugs’ work on a healthy brain so you can absorb much more
ten times more likely to be murdered on the streets of “We also advise that people plan their route in advance, use human brain. They were originally created to combat narcolepsy and information.
Johannesburg than in Edinburgh. Yet vast numbers of Brits will maps and when in doubt as to the safety of specific areas or depression. The active ingredient in Ritalin acts by manipulating natural Try running, cycling or swimming. You
head to the country for this summer’s sport regardless. Geraldine which route to take, to contact the police.” chemicals in the brain, which control behaviour and attention span. can also enjoy the other benefits
Norris from sports travel agency Gulliver’s says that Lions fans While the games on the Lions tour and at the World Cup Modafinil, a non-addictive prescription drug, is also being used to assist associated with excercise such as
concerned about the security situation are in the minority: “I may not be taking place in the slums of Diepsloot or the with concentration. However, the use of such stimulants remains improved energy levels and better
would honestly say that I don’t think any security concerns have ganglands of Hillbrow, that doesn’t change the fact that South controversial. Those who take them see it as a means to aid their study, or health. Being more active helps your
affected our numbers on this tour. I certainly haven’t spoken to Africa is one of the more dangerous locations on a British stay on top of demanding lifestyles. Others say that the use of such brain release endorphins and adrenaline
anyone who has said they were going to book but have decided sports fan’s itinerary. The hope is that the contest on the pitch medication enhances their mental capability making them feel they can in the body, creating a general sense of
against travelling to South Africa [because of its reputation].” is the only violence supporters see this summer. achieve more. But in reality it is doing more damage than good. well-being and calm.

12 iMPULSE Summer 2009 iMPULSE09.wordpress.com  13
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Lifestyle

into the
WILD
Dinner?

or poorer?
iMPULSE spends a day in Edinburgh’s parks,
For richer looking through Mother Nature’s larder
Given my lack of foraging experience, I make two halfway up a mountain. Sadly, everything’s a bit
early decisions – to have a big breakfast, and to do trodden on, so I content myself with my first find – a
some research. The Wild Food School’s sixty-page handful of fresh nettles that could make a nice tea or
‘Pocket Urban Foraging Guide’ is my manual for the soup – and head on.

P
Make your lanning a wedding can make the opening also stock outfits for bridesmaids and the mother of day, and following an unnerving introduction it is Buoyed by my minor success, I head to Holyrood
ceremony of the Beijing Olympics look like a the bride as well as tiaras, shoes and bags. The best packed with advice. Next job is to find some forage Park in search of more grub. A stroll through some
wedding day piece of cake. It requires time, effort and part is that the money you spend goes straight to spots. Sadly, Edinburgh’s foragers keep their favourite bushes brings me to a patch of cress that resembles
attention to detail. You have to worry about charity too. locations close to their chests, so I scribble down
perfect without what the bridesmaids are going to wear, where the in- The venue is another factor which can wreck the some places that seem suitable, pack a plastic bag and
an exploded window box. It looks good, it smells
good, so I grab a handful and add it to the bag.
breaking the laws are going to sit, how far away Uncle John has to budget. It does not have to be a Highland castle a pair of scissors and head out into the unknown. Finally, after three hours of near-constant walking,
be from the bar. favoured by pop stars. Registry offices are a cost Location one on my foraging tour – the I find a wild food goldmine – the cycle path to St.
bank And how are you going to pay for it all? Some effective choice of venue and are suitable if you want Craiglockhart nature trail. Seems like the obvious Leonard’s. A look through the guide proves there’s
people take out a loan while others save for years. a quieter do. If you’re looking for something a bit place to start – lots of little nooks and crannies, and plenty to eat here. There’s the comically-titled Hairy
Some poor soul (the bride’s father) even has to pay bigger then Holiday Inn offer a great wedding plantlife everywhere. Soon I think I spy something Bittercress, nettles everywhere and plenty of other
for the entire thing. But occasionally you just have to package for £1000. from my guide. It looks like Chickweed, which is, leaves and herbs. My prize find is the three-cornered
find a way round the issue of money. This can cater for up to 50 daytime guests, up to apparently, ‘a star salad veggie’. But before I can leek. It looks just like grass, but it’s actually a form of
The truth is weddings on a budget are achievable, 120 evening guests, a private suite for the wedding investigate, a pair of Labradors amble up and ‘do their wild chive. The aroma is pretty potent, but after a day
WORDS: Luci Wallace IMAGES: Kirsty Topping

and they’re good too! It doesn’t all have to be paper ceremony, a three course wedding menu and evening business’ all over my potential crop. With Morn- of foraging it smells of success. I’m feeling good. Then
cups and party poppers from a supermarket entertainment as well as overnight accommodation ingside’s canines seemingly in league against me, I cut it starts to rain.
(although don’t rule that out). You can find a number for the bride and groom. my losses and move on. Jubilant, but slightly damp, I head back into town

WORDS AND IMAGES: Peter Simpson

of ways to have a great wedding and not have to sell The only worry is turning up on time and what you I arrive at my second location, The Meadows, and with my carrier bag full. Then I see a squirrel running
the house to pay for it all. are going to wear. Another thing to think about is the find that it really isn’t the kind of place a man can go through the trees. A thought runs through my head –
The dress is very important to the bride, unsur- kilt. This can be hired from a good kilt shop along foraging, as it’s full of Ultimate Frisbee players and can you forage a squirrel? Thankfully for the both of
prisingly, as she can’t turn up to the wedding naked. with the jacket and shoes and will not blow the aggressive cyclists. I look around, but there’s nothing us, it runs off before I get any closer.
Instead of that fabulous creation you saw in a budget. Use the recession to bring out the creative of note, so I move on. At home, I unload the bag, and reflect my hand-
magazine how about giving charity shops a try? side of you. For things like party favours just make What I need is somewhere slightly more rugged. iwork. I have plenty of salad leaves, enough chives to
Barnados have Bride By Appointment stores all them yourself. All you need are sweets, fine netting Arthur’s Seat it is – if I can not find any wild food on take down Dracula, and I’ve done more exercise in
over the UK which stock end of the line designer and narrow ribbon. For the cake you could just buy a a small mountain then there’s something wrong with one day than I would most weeks. One thing is for
dresses and have ex-sample stock all at a fifth of the plain one and decorate it yourself as well. the world. I’m on the lookout for thistles and sorrels, sure, it was more fun than a trip to the supermarket,
original price so you could end up getting something By using your imagination, you can have a great for valuable nutrition the next time you’re even though their meat can’t run away from you...
utterly gorgeous without having to spend a lot. They stunning wedding, with a stunning price tag.

14 iMPULSE Summer 2009 iMPULSE09.wordpress.com  15
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s o f b o d y s n atc h in g, and
Shreekie Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is also known as one of the most
haunted spots in the city. The castle once hosted
Lady Janet Douglas of Glamis, who was accused of
witchcraft and conspiracy to murder James V. She

d s o a k e d h is tor y, whispering h a s earned

was convicted and burned at the stake, with her

With its bloo r g h young son forced to watch . Her restless spirit is
e , E d in b u
o f d is e a s e a nd re ligious strif u id e to the
said to haunt the castle, with ‘hollow knocking

g ho u li s h s tor ie s e ’. H e re ’s o u r g sounds’ often heard at night. Another reported

‘m o s t h a u n te d c ity in Europ th e Capital

ghost of the castle is an unnamed prisoner who is

its title as the s in said to have climbed into a barrel of dung in a

sp o ok ie s t p la ce desperate bid for freedom. The barrel was emptied
over the battlements sending the young boy to

Greyfriars Kirkyard
plummet to his death on the rock face. Visitors
often complain of feeling a push when they are
The Greyfriars cemetery is reputedly haunted, standing near the battlements.
with promotional material claiming ‘the best-docu-
mented supernatural case in history’. One of the
ghosts is said to be George Mackenzie, in charge of
the Covenanters’ prison in the 17th century.
Mackenzie became infamous for the glee with
which he would sentence the Covenanters to the
gallows. He killed more than 18,000 people earning
the nickname ‘Bloody Mackenzie’, and his restless
spirit apparently roams the prison in the cemetery.
WORDS: Emma Craig IMAGES: Philip Hutchison, Tor Stewart and Kirsty Topping

More than 500 attacks were reported in 2006

within the Greyfriars Kirkyard with most feelings
of unease apparent around the Mackenzie
mausoleum.

Mary King’s Close Holyrood Palace

In the dark, narrow closes and wynds of the city The grand palace is thought to have legions of
centre lies an ancient underworld. Most popular is ghostly inhabitants who still roam the palace
the sinister Mary King’s Close, which is now known today. One such ghost is that of David Rizzio,
as the most haunted spot in Scotland. Amid the stabbed to death by the husband of Mary Queen of
disease and plague of the mid 17th century, the Scots after a suspected affair. His red bloodstains
decision was made to quarantine the close to could never be permanently removed from the
prevent spread of disease, leading to the myth that palace however hard the servants scrubbed. They
plague victims were locked inside and left to die. were reported to reappear overnight, as a
The close was reopened and soon people reported consistent reminder of the sinful deed. Mary’s
strange goings-on. The most prominent ghost of husband, Lord Darnley, died in suspicious circum-
the close is a young girl called ‘Annie’, who stances and is thought to still occupy the palace,
wanders the close. There are also reportings of a lurking and sulking in the dark shadows.
mysterious old man, with a wispy grey beard and
disembodied head.

16 iMPULSE Summer 2009

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Lifestyle

Recession
t i m e
Tips
Rece
s
Spe n d a l i
fo
t t
r
l e
f r e e
Bite sion
s
1 Buying your whole outfit from
Primark. It’s okay, honestly,
WORDS: Nicola Haggarty and Mike Gerrity IMAGE: Morguefile.com

4
no-one will even know and even

6
if they do, who cares? You can
just be happy that you have a new outfit Play music on the street. If you Collect condiments from

2
and they don’t. need to come up with some McDonalds. If you go for a meal
quick cash, take to the streets and ask for some sauces but you
Ringing your friends, then with whatever you can get your don’t use them all, what’s the
hanging up so they have to call hands on - guitar, tambourine, point in throwing them away? Keep them
you back. This saves you money Tupperware. If you can’t play it, all the in the cupboard out of sight and no one
and you can also just use the better. Head to Princes Street and start ever has to know.

7
excuse that your reception went then wailing like a lunatic. Even if it sounds

Henrietta Gonzales Mcfarlane and the Scottish Parliament

WORDS: Gemma Haigh IMAGES: Ashley Anderson, Mahyad Gilani,
launch into the hour long conversation awful, chances are that passers by will at

3 5
you had planned, at their expense. least take pity and pay you to stop. Go skip surfing. One man’s

W
rubbish can be another man’s e don’t get much of a Gardens with its landscaped grounds and For the more active of you, grab a bike
If you’re going to drink, now’s “Borrow” your mates clothes riches. If you pick and choose summer in Scotland but the plenty of space to explore. and cycle alongside the calm surroundings
the time to lower your and never return them. Let’s be your dumpster carefully you can short glimmer of sun we do If you’re feeling slightly more of the Union Canal. In Edinburgh it runs
expectations. Peckham’s in honest, we have probably all come out on top. Bookstores usually throw get allows us to venture productive remember all the museums and from Ratho to Slateford to Fountainbridge
Newington or Bruntsfield sells done it by accident so why not their books out for a free read. You can outdoors for once. There are surprisingly galleries in the city are free to get in, as is where it ends at Edinburgh Quay.
an incredible litre of tolerable whisky for do it deliberately then feign surprise when even find food if you look in the right many things you can get up to in the the Scottish Parliament. But if you prefer Probably the most important events in
ten quid, for example. We must all be they ask for said item back. After all, what places. Just remember to make sure it Edinburgh summertime and they won’t to stay outdoors when the sun is gleaming the summertime in Edinburgh are, of
cheaper drunks in these hard times. are friends for? hasn’t gone bad. cost you a penny.  course, the festivals and every year there

“
Despite living in a built-up yet beautiful is a free festival. This year running from
city there are still some green areas dotted The short glimmer of 6th – 30th August a wide choice of shows
around. Princes Street Gardens offers a sun we do get allows us to are on offer from comedy and theatre to
Blaggin’ tiPs

Blag numBer 1: the Blag numBer 2: the Blag numBer 3: Back calm, serene haven right in the middle of music and children’s shows, it’s a great
make over
My first goal is to get a make over at a
beauty counter. I browse until the
assistant comes over. I tell her I’m
cluB guest list
My task is to get free entry into a club
by pretending I’m on the guest list. I
tell the bouncer I’m on the guest list
stage entry at a gig
My toughest challenge yet – trying to
get backstage at a gig. I tell the
bouncer that the band invited me but
the hustle and bustle of the town’s main
shopping street.
Arthur’s Seat also offers this complete
with some ducks to feed and the Meadows
venture outdoors for once
”
perhaps Portobello Beach is the place to
opportunity to enjoy the festival on a
budget.
You don’t need any cash to enjoy your
city in the summer so at that first glimmer
trying to find a new look but I can’t and give him the first name that pops he doesn’t believe it. I give up and tell are always a fun place to visit and visit. Admittedly not as beautiful as it of sunshine get the picnic basket and head
decide what colours to use. Five into my head. It doesn’t work but he him what I’m doing but that doesn’t people-watch. The perfect setting for a once was, the sun is kind to the beach and outside – make the most of the little share
minutes of suggestive chat and I walk must be in a good mood because I get help. I guess there are some things peaceful picnic has to be the Botanic it’s buzzing in the summer. of it we get!
1818
18 Impulse
Impulse
out ofiMPULSE
the shop with 2009
Summer a new look! in anyway. you just can’t blag. iMPULSE09.wordpress.com 19
Pages 20, 21 Final2 edit:Layout 1 06/05/2009 18:11 Page 20

T
his season’s fashion is so diverse The award for the most
that there is something for comfortable summer trend
everyone. The styles can be definitely goes to harem trousers.
adapted to every body shape. These are perfect for a night out because
The 80s are making a big comeback this even if your high heels are making your
bold and bright to more
season, as are basic fashion items, so there feet ache; you are going to feel relaxed,
subdued, and whether you wear it
is no need to buy a whole new wardrobe. sexy and cosy. For a perfect look put
head-to-toe or add a splash with
One of the key looks is the shape of together a pair of Kurt Geiger lace-up high
accessories, colour will instantly update
your clothes – 1980s shoulders are once heels, harem pants, a white T-shirt and a
your look.
again under the spotlight. Rounded or tailored black jacket. Add some accessories
Absinthe green also featured heavily on
sharply designed shoulders are everywhere and off you go; a perfect outfit for all day
the spring/summer 2009 runways. This
on tops, jackets and dresses – tall, sporty and night.
colour is deliciously intoxicating and
women with a masculine body shape are This season is also time to dig out your
screams both elegance and decadence.
perfect for this style. If you have the basic cotton shirt and style it up.
Fashion in summer 2009 is cultured
appropriate body, these clothes will make Accessorise with low belts, shorts or
and worldly wise. If it evokes a
you look ultra-structured and leggings, a pair of boots and some
feeling of the exotic and the
ultra-feminine. Stella McCartney and jewellery – a cheap and easy way to bring
adventurous, it fits with the
Balenciaga are masters of this trend, while your look right up to date.
summer style mindset.
Topshop Unique are the high-street John Galliano started another amazing
2009 also contrasts
option. trend a few years ago that everyone
transparency and
A light and feminine trend is fringing, a copied: the nude. It is the opposite of the
purity with
follow-on from 2008’s flapper style. 80s. The nude is about purity, freshness
Fringing is a dominant feature of the and elegance. Sheer, creamy and beige
ultra-structured
spring/summer 2009 runways. Whether colours on light and smooth materials
or ultra-cosy this
modern and sleek, silken femininity or which look like a second skin.
season; it is a matter
showgirl burlesque, fringed dresses in Many celebrities, like
of choice of styles, not

necessities
particular should be on every girl’s ‘to buy’ Jennifer Aniston, Kate
of body shapes.
list this summer. Alexander McQueen Moss and Lauren Conrad,

WORDS: Angelique Joly IMAGES: Anna Kozak

created a structured fringing which is have already adopted it.
flattering around the body. Jil Sander’s After shape, the next focus
fringing was long and free-flowing, is colour and one of the key
whereas Alberta Ferretti’s was delicately colours on the catwalk this
pretty. The appeal of fringing also owes a season is orange. Pieces range
lot to the way it moves, so from

From the catwalk to your closet pay careful attention

to buying quality
fabrics that
shimmy, shine
and don’t clump
together.

iMPULSE09.wordpress.com  21
22,23 Final2 edit:Layout 1 06/05/2009 18:12 Page 22

Travel Travel

offer a host of exciting activities. Coasteering is not for

the faint hearted but will give you an adrenaline kick.

UK
Make sure you try some of the other beach based activi-
ties here too as it’s home to the UK’s best surf.

n
Travel inland and you can find Dartmoor National

at i o
Park, which is great for walkers and artists. The Eden
Project is interesting not only for those with green fin-
gers; kids will love the plants and the differing climates
too.  
Wales is home to a huge amount of gorgeous beaches
and magical castles. A favourite is Harlech which looks
out over the sea and is a World Heritage Site. It’s possible
to travel on hundred year old railways, climb to the top of
Mount Snowdon and visit the National Botanic Gardens.
Our camper van
There is also a huge amount of adrenaline pumping activi-
Penzanc
ties and Welsh history is rife throughout the country.  
e
Finally we reach London, capital of England. From major
tourist attractions to the weird and wonderful, there are never a
shortage of things to do. Big Ben, Westminster and the London
Eye are all worth a visit, while Portobello Market and Oxford
Street will fulfill any shopper’s dreams. For those seeking culture
the Notting Hill Carnival is held every August Bank Holiday week-
end and offers a colourful and exciting experience. The nightlife
in London never stops and from A-list clubs to dingy bars, you
will find the perfect way to end your holiday.
So there you have it. Don’t go abroad this summer when the The Lake Dis
UK has so much to offer, each place with its own quirks and mer- trict
Eilean its. Stay close to home and experience the real Britain.
Donan
Castle

iMPULSE takes a whistle-stop stay in for a very reasonable price.

The beaches of North Uist are soaked in history and on a beau-
tour of the UK and selects the tiful day, the deserted island can provide you with stunning views
that will simply take your breath away, especially if you take a dip
best spots to spend your hard in the water!
Robust causeways link North Uist to Benbecula, and take you
earned cash from one fantastic view to another. The local campsite at Liona-
cleit School parks you right next to the best white beach - just
WORDS: Frances Allan, Natalie Leask and Gillian Swinton
IMAGES: Pete Clark, Gillian Swinton and Morguefile.com

F
irst up is Shetland, Scotland’s most northerly group of don’t walk too far along to ‘Stinky Bay’. This is the island of amaz-
islands. For those seeking music or culture, there are a ing views, friendly locals, excellent wildlife, and a great dinner if
number of festivals held from May – September you head to the Dark Island hotel!
including the Folk Festival, Film and Book festival, the Take a journey on the West Coast railway. It’s one of the most
Johnsmas Foy and Fiddle Frenzy – a weeklong fiddle school and spectacular in the world and takes in the Glenfinnan Viaduct,
festival.   silent star of the Harry Potter films.
Moving south, try Aviemore, part of the Cairngorms National Then head south to the Lake District which offers a whole
Park. Here you can try skiing, snowboarding, archery or mountain range of experiences, whether you want to sleep rough on the side
biking to name a few. It’s easily accessible from the A9 between of a mountain or stay in a 5-Star hotel. Try climbing, walking, fell
Perth and Inverness. running, canoeing, kayaking, boating or diving. Explore the tiny
Heading west, next is Gairloch, Wester Ross on the west coast villages and market towns whilst soaking up the bustling atmos-
of Scotland. A number of villages centered around Loch Gairloch phere.
offer fishing, golfing, pony trekking and some of the best walks in 2008 City of Culture, Liverpool, has museums which will keep
Scotland.   you entertained for most of the day and offer a free alternative to
Just a short ferry hop away is the Cuillin hills and the colourful pounding the streets of the main shopping area. The Beatles
pubs of Portree Harbour are just the tip of what the Isle of Skye Stage on Albert Walk is a must for music fans.
has to offer. Portree hosts an array of campsites and hostels to Make your way down the coast where Devon and Cornwall

22 iMPULSE Summer 2009 iMPULSE09.wordpress.com  23
Pages 24, 25 Final edit:Layout 1 06/05/2009 18:13 Page 24

u n d
Save your money with our guide to the top

Aro
destinations this summer

the world
on £80...*

New York Lithuania Thailand Morocco

A city where money definitely does talk. If you’re travelling abroad this summer If you are seeking warm climates and With bright, bustling streets, walled
But for those of us with not very much and want to avoid the obvious tourist sandy beaches this summer on a budget, towns, breathtaking medinas and rich
of it, fear not, as we have the answer on traps, a trip to Lithuania could be the why not try island-hopping in Thailand? culture, Morocco is the perfect choice for a
how to get the most out of your stay in answer. While getting there can be slightly backpacking trip.
one of the most fascinating cities in the Experience authentic eastern European expensive, on arrival your money will go Fly into the vibrant Marrakesh, also
world. culture on a budget at this unique far. Those on a budget can get by on just known as the ‘Red City’, and be
Stay away from the main tourist destination. Its two main cities, Kaunas under £10 a day at the major beach overwhelmed by the atmosphere and
spots! The prices are bumped up in the and Vilnius, offer cheap accommodation resorts and islands. This covers food, spectacular location, with the peaks of the
most popular areas. In places like SoHo and beautiful surroundings. accommodation, transport and even a few Atlas Mountains rising behind the city. A
or Little Italy, there are fantastic Despite losing the capital city crown to cocktails. labyrinth of winding streets are waiting to
authentic restaurants which charge half Vilnius in 1918, Kaunas has lost none of For a more relaxing time, indulge in one be explored and you will be rewarded
the price of those in the centre. its appeal. Known for having the largest of the many spa treatments available and when you reach the souks that are a focal
Ideally, you want to stay in central student population in all of Lithuania, it’s treat yourself from as little as £2 for point of Moroccan life.

IMAGES: Barry Begg, Natalie Leask, Greg Robb and Lithuania Tourist Board
WORDS: Barry Begg, Fiona Kircaldy, David Maxwell and Andrea Molloy
Manhattan to experience New York to its no surprise that Kaunas has one of the massages and pedicures on the beach! From Marrakesh, travel south-west to
fullest. The cheapest way to do so is in a best clubbing scenes, so your evenings will the less touristy destination of Taroudant.
hostel, which is roughly £20 per person be spent on the dance floor. This walled town, which has also been

“
per night, or £50 for a private room. If you need a quiet place to recover the called ‘the little Marrakesh’, is an
With so much to see you’ll spend next to next day, head to one of the city’s many
A visit to Koh Phangan for authentic, quiet, charming location to visit
no time there. museums. There is a vast selection,
the famous full moon parties is the after the manic Marrakesh.
But first you have to get there. The ranging from the traditional art galleries For sunseekers, take a trip north up the
ultimate Thai experience

”
best option for flights is to book early to the extreme Devil’s Museum. Atlantic coast, taking in picturesque beach
and, if possible, fly to JFK. It’s nearest to Kaunas is great if you are on a tight towns perfect for kite surfing and
Manhattan and will save a long and budget, with a night in a city centre hotel windsurfing, or for just laying back with
expensive commute there and back. costing from as little as £27. Don’t miss the markets on the island of the sun on your face.
Once you are in the city, walk or use the A short drive from Kaunas is the city’s Koh Samui, also home to many shops, bars Before heading back to Marrakesh, take
subway if you have far to go. An current capital, Vilnius. Voted Europe’s and restaruants. The more adventurous time to get acquainted with Morocco’s
unlimited day ticket is only £5. Culture Capital 2009, the city is an traveller can visit Koh Tao Island, one of more lively side; either visit Tangiers with
Sight seeing packages are available eccentric mix of architectural styles. You Thailand’s key snorkelling and diving its vibrant nightlife and North
online from various companies in New can find traditional, conservative locations with crystal clear waters and African/Mediterranean feel or the famous
York. These will give you access to all the museums next to controversial statues of fascinating sea coral. city of Fes – the largest Medieval Islamic
major sights. Alternatively, you can buy modern art all in the same place. At night relax and unwind on the beach, city in the world.
individual tickets online before you go Vilnius’s unique culture clashes are watching the sunset with a cocktail. A visit With the euro so strong, savvy
for less than you would on the door. And what make this city stand out. Hotels start to the island of Koh Phangan, where they travellers are looking for alternative
if you plan to attend any sporting at £28 per night so it’s also cheaper than play host to the world-famous full moon locations, and with 12 Dirhams to the
events, tickets are cheaper on the street most other capital cities. parties, is the ultimate Thai experience. Pound, you’d be mad not to go.

* Well, nearly
24 iMPULSE Summer 2009
than through ticket outlets.
iMPULSE09.wordpress.com 25
Pages 26, 27, 28, 29 Final2 edit:Layout 1 06/05/2009 18:14 Page 26

Alternative
Summer
Sports
Beau Monde
If you are looking for a way to keep
yourself active over the summer
then Edinburgh is a great place to
take up a sport which is a little bit
different
e man who cycled the world
WORDS: Frances Allan and Gillian Swinton IMAGES: Ben Arnott, Ross Swinton and Edinburgh Leisure

Go surfing on the east coast and take advantage of

Surfing Climbing

the beaches and waves on offer. Great fun and a great

laugh, grab your mates and go with a company for
your tuition and your kit. Try c2csurfschool.com for
all your needs.

Head to Ratho for a spot of climbing – the indoor wall

is the biggest in Europe and offers classes for
beginners. Once you have got to grips with the
techniques and the shoes, you will be on your way to
climbing success.

I
Whatever the weather, mountain biking can allow n February 2008, Mark Beaumont numerous charities. But this was just “This gave me a fresh look at things and
anyone to get out into the country and experience finished an epic journey cycling the beginning. made me ask myself, ‘Where are your
Biking Ultimate Frisbee

some fantastic sights. Located in the heart of around the world in 194 days and 17 After graduating in Economics and passions? Where are your ambitions?’ and
Scotland, the popular Glentress Forest covers bike hours, smashing the previous world Politics from Glasgow University, he I decided to go for it. As a career I want to

WORDS: Myles Edwards IMAGES: David Peat

rental and lessons. Visit thehubintheforest.co.uk for record by more than 80 days. However, he enthusiastically set out on various bring endurance events to the screen in a
more info.   is not driven by world records, fame or challenges and a new career as an very personal and intimate way, not
even cycling. This is a world record holder ‘adventurer’. His life-changing moment survival programmes – but the real deal –
On a sunny day, the Meadows are filled with teams with a difference. and the catalyst for more extraordinary I want to be the all-round athlete.”
that are taking the good old game of Frisbee seriously. After reading an article in the Dundee challenges came during an internship in There is clearly an audience for
Alex Robertson, president of the Edinburgh Courier about a man who had cycled from Boston. ultra-endurance expeditions, as his
University Ultimate Frisbee Club, said: “Ultimate is an John O’Groats to Land’s End, Beaumont, “Originally I wanted to be a fund journey was watched by over three million
amazing sport because it incorporates the then aged 11, was inspired to attempt manager, but only because I fancied the viewers on the BBC documentary series
physical fitness of all team sports, fast thinking, skill some very ambitious challenges. The money. I had no idea what they actually The Man Who Cycled the World, which was
and coordination.”   following year he undertook a 145-mile did. During my internship in Boston I nominated for a Scottish Bafta award.
Students from Edinburgh Uni can join the team, or cycle across Scotland, and two years later saw guys in positions I had aspired to His journey round the world was not
you could just round up a group of friends. To get a completed the 1,038 mile John O’Groats who were ten years older than me and it without setbacks. He was knocked off his
copy of the rules and play, visit ukultimate.com. to Land’s End cycle, raising £3,000 for wasn’t how I imagined it would be. bike on three occasions and mugged on

26 iMPULSE Summer 2009 iMPULSE09.wordpress.com  27
Pages 26, 27, 28, 29 Final2 edit:Layout 1 06/05/2009 18:14 Page 28

Sport

another. Despite this, Mark completed his Smashing a world record is the average
circumnavigation, finishing at the Arc de competitive sportsperson’s dream and is
Triomphe in Paris having cycled through what drives them to push themselves to
20 countries and covered over 18,000 the limit. Fame and fortune can be a huge
miles. driving force, too. But with Mark, it
It wasn’t all plain sailing in getting his couldn’t be further from the truth.
career as an adventurer off the ground, “It wasn’t about beating the next man.
but, as he explains, his determination The fact there are now three people
shone through to get the ball rolling. planning to try to break my record is
great. It is what the record is there for and
it is not going to make me want to do it

“
again. I am not doing this to be famous; I
My main reason for cycling am living a personal ambition and by
around the world was for the
doing so it can also be beneficial to other
people. It is my hope and ambition not to
journey which it involved

”
be pigeon-holed in any one sport. I’d like
to try my hand at different challenges.”
Throughout the years Mark has placed
a high importance on raising money for
“Unfortunately there is no magic wand. various charities while at the same time
It takes hard work to get your first project living out his dream as an ‘adventurer’. A
off the ground and get people to buy into wide range of charities have benefited
your dream. I spent three or four months from his efforts including Save the
doing full-time admin jobs. I would work Children, Tusk Trust and Community
into the night on the logistical planning Action Nepal (CAN).
for the world cycle and the training. To Whilst glory is bestowed on Mark for
work and back, I was running a total of a his amazing achievements, he is quick to
half marathon every day. It was pretty acknowledge the invaluable support of the
demoralizing at times but luckily I got my team behind him, including a
break.” physio-therapist, masseuse, nutritionist,
Mark required every ounce of sports doctor and others. Most important
determination he could muster to raise of these is his mother, Una, whom he
the tens of thousands of pounds he describes as his “first point of contact”
needed to kick off his world cycle. and “base camp” during the world cycle.
“I was flat broke and working very hard She has been an ever-present influence
to get sponsorship. It took eight months since the days when he first dreamt of a
of getting turned away before I got my career as an adventurer.
first capital sponsorship, which was £500. This adventurer is truly unique and his
It’s a balance between making the most of achievements will take some beating.
opportunities and making sure you are Fellow cyclist Lance Armstrong called his
living your own ambitions and dreams.” autobiography, It’s Not About the Bike. This
After such hard work he was under no phrase could not be more applicable to
illusions as to how he would make his Mark Beaumont’s philosophy. His
impact on the world as an adventurer. refreshing enthusiasm and drive will serve
“If you are going to build a career in this as an inspiration to many who try to
sort of thing you have to make a bit of a emulate his success.
splash first time and I thought to myself
that there is nothing bigger than the
world.”
Despite cycling being a large part of his
life to date, Mark has no intention to limit
himself to the one sport.
“I’ve never had any ambitions to cycle
as a career in any of the tours. My main
reason for cycling round the world was for
the journey which it involved.”
30,31 Final2 edit:Layout 1 06/05/2009 18:15 Page 30

Last Lap
This year’s F1 British Grand Prix is sure to
be a historic one. If everything goes to
plan, it will be the last race to be held at
the sport’s spiritual home of Silverstone
‘
91 While Nigel Mansell won the 1991
British Grand Prix, his
championship rival Ayrton Senna ran out
of petrol on the last lap of the race. As if
‘
99 Michael Schumacher breaking his
leg has to be considered a
significant, if painful, moment. The
accident changed the course of the title
before Donington takes over the mantle in Mansell’s third victory at a British Grand race and some would argue that he would
WORDS: Suhayl Afzal and Andrew Donaldson IMAGE: Stuart Codling

2010. For the first time in over 20 years, Prix wasn’t memorable enough, when have retired with eight titles had it not
the race will be held away from the famous coming back round the track on his victory been for this. On the first lap the race was
Northamptonshire circuit. With this in lap, he stopped and offered the stranded stopped due to cars stalling on the grid.
mind, Impulse takes a look back at five of Senna a lift back to the pit lane on the The German, however, not aware of this,
the most memorable British Grand Prix back of his car. It was a remarkable gesture carried on with the race, and at Stowe
moments provided by the track in recent which helped to dispel any rumours of a corner his brakes failed, causing him to
decades. rift between the two drivers. carry straight on into the tyre wall.

‘
87 After a pit-stop left Nigel Mansell
trailing his Williams team-mate
and championship rival, Nelson Piquet, by
half a minute, he set off on one of the
‘
98 Winning a race while in the pit
lane might seem strange, but in
1998 Schumacher did just that. After
lapping a car under safety car conditions
‘
08 Lewis Hamilton’s win last year in
his title-winning campaign is an
iconic Silverstone moment. In a wet race,
Hamilton made a dramatic start from
greatest Formula One comebacks of all he was handed a stop/go penalty with two fourth on the grid, leaping up to second
time. With 28 laps remaining, Mansell laps remaining. Due to a delay in issuing and nearly crashing into his team-mate
began gaining on the Brazilian and, with the penalty, Ferrari had him serve it on Heikki Kovalainen. While others lost their
only a few laps to go, performed a risky the final lap, causing him to cross the line cool in the tricky conditions, most notably
but brilliant overtaking manoeuvre at before reaching his pitbox. Schumacher title rival Massa, the Briton showed his
Stowe corner, which would ensure that he escaped further punishment because it quality by winning the race by 68 seconds
tasted victory in the British Grand Prix. was decided that the penalty had been – the biggest winning margin since 1995.
issued incorrectly.

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