Water is Best - History Repeats Itself
Researchers Get Their Hands Dirty
Climate Change to Affect Farming in Scotland
International Debut for Stirling Student
Wanted: Your Views on Cancer Services
Secretary of State for Scotland Visits Institute
Student Hopes to Achieve Main Goal
Professorial Inaugural Lecture
Water is Best - History Repeats Itself
Date released: Tuesday 1 February 2005
Water treatments are now very much back in vogue and no luxury hotel is complete without its spa and hydro complex. This could mark a return to the view that “water is best”, according to Dr Alastair Durie of the University of Stirling.
Dr Durie said: “We are only rediscovering a very old tradition, which goes back everywhere in Europe to Roman times and beyond. Scotland had its share of healing wells, though the Reformation disapproved strongly of miracle cures, and developed a number of spa centres with foul smelling waters as at Moffat, near Glasgow and Bridge of Allan, near Stirling where well-off people went to take the waters – showering, bathing and drinking. The most successful was Strathpeffer in the Highlands which had its own direct rail express from London before World War One”.
A conference exploring the history of spas in Scotland, Wales and Ireland will be held at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow on Tuesday 2 February, at which Dr Durie will give a paper. The conference will look at how spas developed, why they rose, and how they faded as water treatments went out of fashion. It will also examine why they are now coming back into popularity with considerable investment in new or restored facilities.
Lesley Pollock
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(01786) 467058
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Dr Alastair Durie University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA UK |
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Researchers Get Their Hands Dirty
Date released: Tuesday 1 February 2005
Academics at the universities of Stirling and Dundee have been getting their hands dirty with a two-year study of people who choose live in conditions of appalling squalor. The research, funded by a £41,467 Economic and Social Research Council grant, has called for housing, environmental health and social care agencies to work more closely together to tackle cases of self-neglect.
Dr Isobel Anderson of the University of Stirling said: “Professionals need better training and support in order to cope better with the conflicts, dilemmas and pressures of working with self-neglect and need to look at ways to co-ordinate input across local government and NHS services.”
The study discovered that a number of self-neglecters were living in buildings in a state of collapse, with holes in the roof, ceilings, walls and broken windows. Interiors were often sparsely furnished with bare floorboards and makeshift cooking facilities including open fires on the floor. In many instances there was no electricity, running water, or proper sanitation.
Environmental health professionals, in particular, reported people living with blocked toilets, offensive household odours and infestations of fleas, flies, rats and maggots. There were also reports of large numbers of pets, particularly cats, within dwellings. Another frequently reported feature was houses being crammed full of belongings, which spilled over, into the garden area. Such people hoarded rubbish, clothes, newspapers, family belongings and miscellaneous items.
A common factor in cases of self-neglect was a lack of social and personal support from family and friends. However, the research revealed that many self-neglecting individuals appeared relatively contented with their lifestyle and were resistant to intervention by statutory agencies, who often found gaining access to the home difficult. Cases often came to the attention of health and social care agencies through neighbours’ interventions.
Professor William Lauder of the University of Dundee said: “We found that neighbours were surprisingly tolerant, even supportive of their self-neglecting neighbours, only getting involved when the situation was causing a nuisance or they feared for the wellbeing of their neighbour.”
The nation’s bizarre fascination with self-neglect was first fed by hit sixties sit com Steptoe and Son and is satisfied today with reality TV shows like Channel Four’s How Clean is Your House and Too Posh to Wash.
Lesley Pollock
Media Relations Manager
(01786) 467058
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Dr William Goodall University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA UK |
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Tel: + 44 (0) 1786 467718 |
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Email: isobel.anderson@stir.ac.uk |
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Professor William Lauder School of Nursing & Midwifery University of Dundee UK |
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Tel: + 44 (0) 1382 348558 or 07837751757 |
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Email: wg1@stir.ac.uk |
Climate Change to Affect Farming in Scotland
Date released: Thursday 3 February 2005
While Scotland recovers from a bout of bad weather, economists at the University of Stirling are forecasting a brighter outlook for Scotland’s farmers. Global climate change is set to increase farm incomes in the years to come.
The study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, modelled the effects of predicted climate change in Scotland over the next 80 years.
The report found that climate change would increase the yield of most crops, mainly due to more CO² being in the atmosphere, except in the South-east of Scotland where water shortages will begin to bite.
Since not all crops will increase, the study also predicts farmers will change what they grow – with a switch from winter to spring crops and an increase in livestock numbers. The range of crops, which can be grown, will also increase as the climate changes.
Project Director, Professor Nick Hanley of the Department of Economics said: “Overall, the effect is to increase farm incomes – although how much of an increase occurs varies according to what part of Scotland one is looking at. Increases are highest in the South-west and lowest in the North-west.”
Lesley Pollock
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Professor Nick Hanley Stirling FK9 4LA UK |
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Tel: +44 (0) 1786 466410 |
Graduation Time at Stirling
Date released: Monday 7 February
The University of Stirling will hold three academic awards ceremonies in the Albert Halls, Stirling on Friday 18 March at which Chancellor Dame Diana Rigg will preside.
The Chancellor will confer first degrees and higher degrees on more than 700 graduates throughout the day, as well as three honorary degrees.
- Ms Elspeth King, Director of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, will receive the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University for her outstanding work in developing Scottish museums and in promoting Scottish history and culture. The Smith provides regular exhibitions of local, national and international significance, as well as lectures, concerts and other events. It also gives support to local artists and to those interested in local history.
- Professor David Moulsdale, Chairman and Chief Executive of Optical Express, will receive the Honorary Degree of Master of Arts for his outstanding contribution to the business community and the University. An Honorary Professor of the University of Stirling, Professor Moulsdale founded Optical Express in 1991.
- Mr Jim Hastie will receive the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University to recognise his outstanding contribution to the development of voluntary housing associations throughout Scotland. Scotland’s unique housing association tradition, and in particular its internationally renowned community-based housing associations, would not have flourished had it not been for his commitment and creative efforts.
Lesley Pollock
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(01786) 467058
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Khlayre Mullin Stirling FK9 4LA UK |
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Tel: +44 (0) 1786 466675 |
International Debut for Stirling Student
Date released: Friday 11 February 2005
One of Scottish rugby’s most promising young referees is be in charge of his first international this week. Stirling University Sports Union President Andrew MacPherson (22), who has come up through the ranks of the West of Scotland Rugby Referees Society, is to referee the France v Wales under-18 international on Saturday at Foix in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Last year, Andrew became the youngest referee ever to be selected by the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) for a World Championship. In April 2004, aged just 21, he kicked his refereeing career into touch with a stint as a touch judge at the Under 19s World Cup in South Africa.
Lesley Pollock
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Andrew MacPherson Stirling FK9 4LA UK |
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Tel: +44 (0) 1786 467198 or 07900908038 |
The Principal’s Music
Date released: Monday 21 February 2005
The University of Stirling will continue its series of informal lunchtime musical recitals in the MacRobert Foyer – The Principal’s Music – this spring.
The series will commence with a performance by Ian Ainsworth and Martin Davies, both retired members of staff. Ian, a bass baritone, will sing songs from Russia, France and Britain and will be accompanied by Martin on piano from 12.15 – 1pm on Wednesday 23 February.
Other recitals in the series include:
Wednesday 16 March 12.15 – 1pm
Perth Strathspey and Reel Society will perform traditional Scottish and Irish music.
Wednesday 27 April 12.15 – 1pm
Strathallan School Chapel Choir & Chamber Choir will sing a selection of sacred and secular music.
Wednesday 25 May 12.15 – 1pm
Classical and contemporary music with clarinets.
All events are open to the public and are free of charge. Further information is available from the External Relations, University of Stirling, Tel: (01786) 467055 or Email: c&d@stir.ac.uk
Lesley Pollock
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(01786) 467058
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Khlayre Mullin Stirling FK9 4LA UK |
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Work Tel: +44 (0) 1786 466675 |
Wanted: Your Views on Cancer Services
Date released: Monday 21 February 2005
The University of Stirling’s Cancer Care Research Centre (CCRC) would like to hear from anyone in Tayside with experience of cancer, either as a patient, family member, friend or carer.
The Centre, which was set up in October 2003 to find out more about the experiences of people affected by cancer, is looking for people to take part in new Patient and Carer Advisory Groups in Tayside that will inform cancer treatment and care in Scotland.
Deputy Director of CCRC, Dr Allison Worth said: “Getting involved with the Cancer Care Research Centre to talk about your experiences and views is a great way of getting your voice heard and making a real difference. Your views will influence the kind of research we do. Together, we can influence how services are developed and help other people affected by cancer.”
It is hoped that the Patient and Carer Advisory Groups will meet around once every 3 months. The groups will be helped in their discussions by one of the research team and someone from a local voluntary organisation.
Allison Worth said: “You don’t need any qualifications, special skills or medical knowledge to take part. The most valuable thing you bring is your experience, both good and bad, and your willingness to share your views and experiences with others. Some people will be involved in groups for up to two years or more, but you don’t need to make that kind of commitment. See how you feel and if you want you can pull out at any time, you can. If you can’t make a particular meeting we will be happy to see you the next time.”
If you would like to help, you can find out more by logging onto: www.cancercare.stir.ac.uk You can also call Allison Worth on 01786 849260 or E-mail: cancercare@stir.ac.uk for further information.
Lesley Pollock
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Dr Allison Worth Stirling FK9 4LA UK |
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Secretary of State for Scotland Visits Institute
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| Pictured above: Alistair Darling at the University of Stirling's Institute of Aquaculture |
Date released: Monday 21 February 2005
Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP will visit the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture on Monday 21 February.
Mr Darling will be met by Professor Christine Hallett, Principal and Vice-Chancellor and the Institute’s Director, Professor Randolph Richards who will lead a tour of the Institute’s research laboratories and tropical aquarium.
The Institute of Aquaculture is an international research and postgraduate training centre and is the largest of its kind in the world. It has grown steadily over the last 30 years and has built up a first class international reputation in teaching, research, contract research and consultancy. It has had a particularly important role in running the UK Department for International Development’s programme of research in international aquaculture, promoting sustainable approaches to meeting future global needs and helping to meet international poverty alleviation goals.
Professor Richards said: “The Institute is recognised as a world centre for aquatic culture, research and resource management. Our multidisciplinary postgraduate programmes have trained people from all over the world. Some of our strongest links exist in countries such as Bangladesh where we have been working for more than 25 years to improve the lives of millions of poor people. As part of an ongoing partnership with Bangladesh Agricultural University, we are launching a new international MSc in Aquatic Resource Management by part-time distance learning in March. The course will equip students with the skills to meet the complex challenges of development in poor countries. To commence this important regional initiative the Association of Commonwealth Universities has agreed to fund 25 places for Bangladeshi students whose jobs involve aquatic resource development.”
The Institute is core-funded by the University and also receives research and project funding from the Department for International Development (DFID), the European Commission and from a wide variety of national and international research organisations, foundations and trusts and industry.
Lesley Pollock
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Mr Anton Immink Stirling FK9 4LA UK |
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Not Gazing but Watching
Date released: Friday 25 February 2005
As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of Edinburgh Film Guild, the Universities of Stirling and Glasgow are holding a conference entitled Not Gazing but Watching: The Enigma of the Film Audience.
The conference, to be held 3-5 March at the Edinburgh Filmhouse, will focus on current research into the varied nature of film audiences.
Peter Gray of the University of Stirling’s Institute of Education said: “Very little is known about the nature of the film audience, which has survived in many forms through a period of social and technological ferment. Film audience research as an academic discourse has, it seems, failed to match the sophistication of film theory itself. This conference seeks to explore this apparent gap in film audience studies and will address questions such as: Who are the audiences for independent or arthouse cinema? Does membership of a Film Society produce a special experience and/or contribute to the development of cine-literacy? Does the nature of the audience have an influence on film production and distribution, and what are the feedback mechanisms?”
The conference will be opened by Shane Danielsen, Artistic Director of the Edinburgh Film Festival. A full conference programme is available at www.edinburghfilmguild.com
Lesley Pollock
Media Relations Manager
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Peter Gray Stirling FK9 4LA UK |
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Student Hopes to Achieve Main Goal
Date released: Monday 28 February 2005
With over five months to go before graduation, University of Stirling Economics student Stuart Mitchell is already on his way to achieving his main goal.
Stuart (22) from Tillicoultry has overcome severe dyslexia to set up his own company, Fivez, organising small-sided football leagues for over-16s across Scotland. Leagues are currently operating in Ayr, Bo’ness, Broxburn, Greenock and Stirling with plans for expansion over the next six months.
Stuart said: “Fivez hopes to get more people involved in football for the good of not only Scottish football but also to improve the fitness and health among the Scottish community – after all Scotland has one of the worse heart disease rates in the world.”
Stuart was diagnosed with dyslexia in his first year at University after struggling with writing.
Stuart said: “I have had fantastic support from the University, who have provided me with a laptop and software which I use to read lecture notes. As a result my marks have improved steadily and I’m due to graduate in July with a BA (Hons) Economics.”
SUREstart student enterprise, run by Stirling University Research & Enterprise (SURE), has helped Stuart get his venture off the ground by providing free office space and business advice.
An Evening with Iain Banks
Date released: Monday 28 February
The University of Stirling is proud to announce that Stirling graduate, honorary graduate and critically acclaimed novelist, Iain Banks will appear at the MacRobert on Wednesday 9 March 2005 at 7pm.
Following the format of his sell-out event at the Edinburgh Book Festival in August 2004, Iain will read from his work and take questions from the audience.
Alumni Relations & Development Manager, Jean Goodband said: “This is the first time Iain has offered an event of this kind on campus and is a great opportunity for fans to meet the author.”
Tickets are priced £5.00 (£3.50 concession) and can be purchased from the MacRobert Box Office on Tel: (01786) 466666.
Lesley Pollock
Media Relations Manager
(01786) 467058
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Jean Goodband Stirling FK9 4LA UK |
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Tel: +44 (0) 1786 467034 |
Professorial Inaugural Lecture
Date released: Monday 28 February 2005
Professor Nick Hanley, of the Department of Economics, will deliver his Inaugural Lecture on Wednesday 2 March 2005 at 5.30 pm in Logie Lecture Theatre, University of Stirling.
The topic of his lecture will be Should we care about climate change? Professor Hanley has recently finished a study which revealed that global climate change is set to increase farmers' incomes in Scotland in the years to come.
Members of the public are most welcome to attend, admissions and refreshments are free.
RSVP to the External Relations Tel: (01786) 467055 or Email: c&d@stir.ac.uk
Lesley Pollock
Media Relations Manager
(01786) 467058