Week Thirty Two - One Thing All Scots Must Agree On

As the weeks roll by the independence debate, canvassing, polling, commentating etc ramps up. I don't intend discussing any of it however would comment on two things

1.  No matter which side of the debate you fall you must must must register to vote and then vote. I'm not teaching people to suck eggs but there are an astounding number of people who have yet to register to vote.  Added to that the fact that turn out rates of registered voters on polling day can often fall short then we all need to make sure we follow through and make our vote count.  In a voting population of c. 4.2m each vote is worth more than it ever has been in the UK context (incidentally the very premise of the vote in the first instance).  Regardless which way it falls we all have the obligation to say Yes or No.

2.  Whether you are a Yes or a No we must all be agreed on one thing...we live in one of the most stunning countries on earth...

...this weekend saw the annual First Thursday Club camping trip roll around again.  A highlight of our social calendar, this is our annual outdoor glamping excursion which is focused on walking a leg of the West Highland Way.  The plan being we'll take ten years to do it all.  As an aside we completely miss the point that doing the easy legs first only stores the hard ones til we're another year older and given the aches,pains, grunts, groans and panting (breathlessness on hills) that escalates each year it could mean the locals will wonder what has hit them in the year 2017 when we finally finish the walk - mind you as we keep saying the loss of memory may have kicked in by then and we may be on an endless trek across Scotland (hence we mark off the map each year so here's hoping we don't forget where the map is stored from one year to the next).

This year saw us walking from Kingshouse to Kinlochleven so last Friday we headed to the hills to marvel at the stunning mountains, lochs and glens which are the North of Scotland.  The scenery is just mindblowing and every year we have regular running commentary throughout the weekend about our amazement that this is our country (and these are our people!?!?).  When you take the time to travel a couple of hours north of Glasgow you can but stare in amazement at the natural beauty that is the place we live.  And it doesn't even matter what the weather is like - sun splitting or rain lashing the personality of the country and it's mood changes but is no less attractive or astounding either way.

Often you hear of people talking of emigrating to Aus or NZ for the outdoor life - I would challenge that we can have that life here as anyone who truly loves the outdoors is not put off by a bit of rain or cold.  In fact the extremities and changing nature of our weather is a further excuse for the outdoor enthusiast to buy even more kit and stylish outdoor clothing.

So no matter what debates and divides take place over the next three weeks let's all agree on the point that we live in one of Mother Natures most astoundingly beautiful countries and lest we forget I would encourage you to jump in the car for a day trip or an overnight or a long weekend and remind yourself of it.

Oh and then there are those astoundingly beautiful things which are of human form (I won't share the first thing in the morning look)

And how do we look so gorgeous on a camping trip? Well I shall treat this as a confessional and admit that this year we took the upgrading easy option and stayed in a pod - there was even a kettle and fridge as well as beds but we did stay true to the Aussie / NZ breakfast...BBQ fry up with a beer accompaniment to cleanse the palate. If you haven't tried it you must - the beer is great for cleansing away the grease honest.

And lastly there is the annual stop off at the world famous Drovers Inn on the way home...

Thanks for yet another fun filled adventure ladies - here's to next year (which is already booked - get us).

Whilst contemplating the wonder of our country I...

...HUNG OUT at...various places but have to mention the top off to our weekend - Potter Towers for our ice bucket challenge and for a Come Dine With me style cook off by Potters Jnrs...

...GINNED ON....many many many gins at a wonderful Gin Masterclass in the Alston Bar and Beef in Central Station.  Before I get into the Masterclass I should comment again about what a great location this is (a single doorway on your left when you enter Central Station from Gordon Street).  If you haven't been then get down there - everyone I've taken has loved it for it's gin, wine, food, amazingly friendly and service oriented staff and stunning surrounds. Trust me it's a winner.  And if you'd like a gin Masterclass then speak with Chris or the other members of staff about when they are next holding one.  I won't tell you too much as it gives it away but you are met with a perfect serve (a gin and tonic served with an accompaniment which brings out the botanicals - my favourite is the citadel served with cinnamon stick and orange rind).  You then move on to learning the unexpected history of gin whilst sampling eight premium gins and finishing with a Rioja barrel fermented Martinez - a super premium gin.  A great night (even if Friday wasn't so great) hosted by an extremely knowledgable and enthusiastic gin master Chris supported by the wider team...

...DINED ON...two exceptional three course meals presented by Sammy and Tom Potter in competition for the Come Dine with Me challenge.  Sammys meal consisted of Thai fish cake starter, beef rendang and finished with mango and coconut dessert.  Toms was Italian antipasta, pizza with Parma ham (braver than the rest of us Tom made his own dough and passata which were very rustic and authentic looking and tasting) then limoncello trifle.  Both were very different and tasted great.  And the winner was...

...well that would be telling.

Until next time have a good week.

G x

Week Thirty One - Birthdays Galore

What a week. How come I know so many people who's birthdays are in August?  I must be magnetised to people of a similar personality / star sign.

Literally hardly a day went by without another birthday to acknowledge, card to post, present to wrap. It's great. Some have been significant (I won't name names but you know who you are). Some not so significant.

Not long after I returned home from NZ I met a friend of mine who's birthday was approaching.  She suggested we shouldn't really bother about them now we're post 40 - it's just another day.  I was outraged. Everyone deserves to have their birthday acknowledged. To be spoilt.  To have a day which gives them the right to throw diets and routine out of the window. 

So my birthday was this week.  And what do you know - I felt the same as my friend. It's no big deal anymore. Just another day. 

As much as most of you wouldn't believe it, I don't like being the centre of attention.  What I prefer doing on my birthday is to have a day when you do what you enjoy doing.  And so it was that after a taxing bike ride (not necessarily what i enjoy doing but the vehicle by which i gain brownie points / vanquish guilt for what followed for the rest of the week), I did what I enjoy doing most - something for others. I made a big batch of Pimms cupcakes and shared them with friends and family to bring a bit of enjoyment and surprise and smiles to their day (sorry if you didn't get one - top of the list for next time). 

As for the rest of the day (in fact week) it was filled with friends (old and new), family, food and fizz which are all the things in life I love.

So to those who shared my over indulgent week thank you - it was great (not so much now judging by my jeans - you can only blame the tumble dryer for so long).

And to those with a birthday approaching I say don't ignore it; gift yourself a day of what makes you happy - there are 364 other days to make up for it!! 

Whilst quietly celebrating I...

...HUNG OUT AT...West George St with The Riccione Nine (minus a couple) to congratulate the Scotland Commonwealth Games Team on their amazing success at the Games (hard to believe the opening ceremony was only four weeks ago tonight - it feels like a lifetime ago)

...WINED ON...many beautiful wines on Saturday eve including this one 

 Bizarrely and coincidentally also ordered on Sunday when once again I...

...DINED ON...beautiful beautiful stunning small plates / tapas at The Ox and Finch. This place gets such great press (and I know I've already acknowledged it) and deservedly so. The staff are great (even when you make them choose your meal), the atmosphere relaxed, the decor shabby chic, the menu extensive and innovative, the flavours out of this world and the wines great too.  My personal favourite this time was a dessert of Coconut Panna Cotta, Mango, Black Olive Caramel and Pistacchio Soldiers...basically it looked like a boiled egg with toast.  "Black olive caramel!?!?!?" I hear you cry.  Yes and I was the only one brave enough to order it and (until the rest of my party were badgered into it) to try it. Unusual, innovative and worked so well with the rest of the dessert. As Hilary would say "yyuuuummmm". 

Until next week - have a good one

G x

Week Thirty: Successful People Build Each Other Up

Week Thirty has been a very productive week in the land of The Concierge.

After a couple of weeks away it was great to get back and focused.  The website has been updated, marketing materials have been ordered, accounts have been set up, and most importantly my first clients have been secured.

I have organised a Whisky Tasting Tour of Islay on behalf of clients and will be in attendance to guide the tour.  All being well I'll repeat this in the coming months as a tour offering and next year will be venturing into a wine tour weekend of Majorca if anyone wants to note interest!!  I have secured a client for my personal organiser services - helping them to manage their home whilst they're based elsewhere.  I also have leads in place for other events and meetings set up with a couple of potential preferred suppliers across The Concierge and wine businesses.  So its all very exciting and I already have my eyes set to the future with some ideas to expand my offering at the turn of 2015.  Fingers crossed this is the start of a successful business.

Like all things that are a bit different from the norm, I have my supporters and I have my critics.  Only to be expected - not least as constructive criticism most definitely has its place.  The thing is though that anyone who sets up on their own without a steady income from elsewhere has moments every single day when they wonder what they are doing, if they're off their heads, who do they think they are, why do they think they're going to be successful, have they got it wrong, can they change their life and opt out of 'normal' - to focus on living life and making an income to support that?  They don't need anyone else to point all of this out - they do a blooming great job of doing it for ourselves. 

What they do need once in a while is a boost of positivity, people telling them they support what they're doing and think its great etc.  I had two experiences this week which reinforce this.

On Friday I had a telephone conversation with a business associate from my previous life.  Sue is someone I've met professionally through the Bank who has kept an interest in what I am up to this year.  We finally spoke on Friday at one of those points when I needed it.  She has a similar outlook on life as me - live life and cut your cloth accordingly; do what you want to do and as long as you are making what you need to live the life you want then that is more important than anything else.  It was a great conversation about prospects full of coaching, positive reinforcement and support.

Why am I pointing all this out?  Well, over the weekend I attended a two day music festival called Party at the Palace in Linlithgow.  The professionalism yet personal tone of the communication and PR of the event, the quality and price of the tickets, and the line up of musical acts which had been secured made me think this was a very professional outfit setting up another festival for Scotland to enjoy each year.  I assumed established promoters etc.

In reality it turned out that this event was the brainchild of a local resident John Richardson who had been trying to think up what would be a good business idea; something he could do that would involve the Linlithgow community and local businesses.  John teamed up with a friend; Peter Ferguson; and started to explore making his pipe dream become a reality.

They had a vision of what they wanted to do, put a huge amount of money at risk and started to build a festival.  A brave act indeed.  They had no idea how to bid for and book bands and they weren't just after any bands, they wanted Scotland's top acts, they had to deal with the council and red tape at Historic Scotland which meant they lost a lot of opportunities by the time the go ahead came through in April, they organised everything from the bands to the catering, security, traffic management and cleaning crew.  They had to provide reassurances to local residents about disturbances and placate three wedding parties who were using the church and palace at Linlithgow that weekend.  They were determined to source everything they needed within a 20 mile radius of Linlithgow and to involve local businesses.  By their own admission they'd have made more of an income working at McDonalds.

So the event arrived this weekend.  The acts included James Grant (Love and Money), Horse, The Bluebells, The Silencers, Hue and Cry, Deacon Blue, Simple Minds - to name but a few!!

Things didn't go without their problems.  Saturday had great weather but there were problems with the bar leading to over two hour queues to get drinks with the same happening with the food queues later on.  The application of rules re food and drink being allowed to be brought in from outside were inconsistently applied, tickets had been sold last minute at half price to attract custom much to the dismay of those who had bought them well in advance at full price.  Sunday saw horrendous weather which meant the extra staff etc brought in to manage the bars weren't needed as people stayed away until later in the day etc.

People had plenty to say about it at the event and on social media.  Comments flew around on Facebook about how poorly managed the event was etc - despite the fact the organisers were doing everything to apologise and keep people informed of what they were doing to resolve the issues.  What I always find disappointing is how people can spiral into a torrent of negativity across social media.  How we can be so quick to see the negative and hold people up for criticism rather than stepping back, thinking about what they've tried to do and support them.

The event was based around the music and the bands were amazing.  That at the end of the day is what we paid for.  Yes there were problems but as I recall T in the Park wasn't exactly the best event ever in its first year.

I wonder how many of those who are happy to criticise would ever have come up with such a brave idea, put everything on the line and deliver it?  Or how they would have reacted to the feedback - like the organisers would they have done everything in their power to rectify the situation facing into the problems and pulling out all the stops to improve for day two?

I take my hat off to John and Peter for being brave and standing up to do something for themselves, the community and the local businesses.  Yes there are changes to be made for next year but I really do hope that there is a next year and that they have enough successful people around them building them up that they will take it to year two.  

I will certainly be supporting them in any way I can (whether its just this blog making people think - guys feel free to share it!! - or whether I can be of practical help) because such bravery and vision deserves support.

So here is to measured positivity (of course constructive criticism has its place), an end to putting each other down (we're our own biggest critics after all) and to building each other up every day.

Look forward to seeing you next year at Party at the Palace guys.

  

This week I...

...HUNG OUT at...Party at the Palace in Linlithgow with great friends in a great place (I love Linlithgow and if you've not been you should) and listening to great bands (even if most of the crowd pleasers were from the 1980's and 1990's!! - feeling old)...

...WINED ON...a lovely Picpoul de Pinet with dinner when I...

...DINED ON...beautiful beautiful small plates at The Ox and Finch in Sauchiehall Street.  This is Glasgow's latest shining light on the restaurant scene and very deservedly so.  It was absolutely packed on Wednesday night with multiple sittings coming in.  The staff were great and not phased by us asking them to choose the dishes on our behalf.  We had some stunning dishes including:

• harissa mackerel, herb salad and preserved lemon
• panko cod, shredded thai salad and lettuce wrappers
• pea, broad bean, courgette and lemon orzo
• chips, truffle salt and roast garlic aioli
• confit pork belly, white onion puree, capers and raisins
• buffalo mozzarella, peach, mint and prosciutto salad

MY MOUTH IS WATERING AGAIN JUST THINKING ABOUT IT!!

If you haven't been you have to go - really relaxed atmosphere, great menu, great wines, lovely staff.  The only problem - its busy!! You have to book well in advance so lift the phone today!

Until next week - have a good one.

Weeks Twenty Eight & Nine: My Games, My Memories, My Musing

Where do you even begin?  What a fortnight it has been.  There have been many Twitter and Facebook updates along the way and my aim in summarising My Games is not to regurgitate my itinerary over the fortnight.  Rather it is to document (for me more than anyone) my memories of My Games.

Why do I keep referring to My Games?  Well it struck me from the very first day that with so many sporting and cultural events on around my city no two people were ever going to have the same experience of the Commonwealth Games and our Dear Green Place.

So here is my summary, my perspective of Planet Comm Games.

Doing it our way
From the get go Glasgow presented to the world what Glasgow is.  There was no glitz, glamour or gloss put on our city and our country.  Instead the tone can best be summarised as "real" as far as I am concerned.  We didn't over egg the ceremonies, we were sympathetic to the city and its citizens - one of the bands at the pre-opening ceremony was a band that was playing at Clutha Vaults the night the helicopter crashed, the pipes and drums were provided by the guys you see on Buchanan Street every week, real people explaining the rules of the games, real language from Haud Yer Wheesht to Gie it Laldy, real humour (taps oan and taps aff).  It felt like we were showing who we are to the world and what was more important than anything was making sure that the citizens of Glasgow and Scotland were engaged and felt it was their games.

Raising the bar
The first games to integrate para-sport.  The first games to directly link to a charity that works across the commonwealth (£5m raised to date for UNICEF).  Fifty thousand people applying to be a Clydesider (more than Manchester and Melbourne combined).  We may have kept the tone of the games "real" and understated but our achievements in taking the Games to another level are second to none - we really have moved sporting events to a new platform.

Joining the Dots
In the last few years when thinking about the Games coming to Glasgow, my focus has been on the sport.  I never in my wildest dreams expected this to be such an all encompassing positive invasion of my city from sport to theatre, dance, music, talks, poetry, tour, exhibitions.....there was something for absolutely everyone and not enough hours in the day to fit it all in.

The marrying up of the sports venues with the festival hubs at Glasgow Green and Kelvingrove Bandstand and the complete engagement of the BBC at the Quay made the city feel even more compact than it actually is and made for a great opportunity to get involved in tonnes of different things whilst wandering between venues.

Even within the venues you could have different experiences.  BBC at the Quay was a completely different experience in the evenings when there for events versus visits during the day with children.  My nephews could not believe how much there was to do and how many take aways they got - online videos, circuit board badges, stickers, medals, flags.....this is engagement of the future generation.

Bringing the city and its communities to life across all the arts and sports is what made it possible to have such a stand out event that was always going to have something for everyone - well provided they chose to engage in it.

A number of months ago Glasgow launched its new slogan - People Make Glasgow.  We all knew it was true but I'm not sure we really fully related to it or embraced it before the Games.  And that is where you have to take your hat off to the organisations which have been working together over the last few years to make engaging in the slogan and the Games a journey to something we as the people in question believe in through our own experiences; introducing the new slogan to engage people in becoming involved in the Games then reinforcing it throughout the Games; letting people work it out for themselves that they are the thing that makes the city by being themselves, helping people, stopping for a blether, laughing at ourselves and getting wholeheartedly behind every athlete.  I believe even the more sceptical amongst us is now engaged in a way we never have been before about a slogan for our city.

Hats off to to all the agencies and organisations involved in People Make Glasgow and the Games for the way they have joined the dots on the opportunity the games have afforded and the possibilities for the future showcasing our magnificent city will afford.  I don't think the city has ever felt as collaborative, professional and joined up in making sure we fully exploit these opportunities (in a positive way).

The Energy
I have never felt an energy like it in the city - the place was mobbed; people were excited, positive, supportive, welcoming, going out their way to help, coming together to soak it all up, exploring new experiences, getting behind the sport and the festivities, setting a standard, making Glasgow.

The unexpected
Working for myself I was very fortunate to be afforded a chance to spend the two weeks immersed in the Games and the festivities.  What a brilliant opportunity to explore my city - to be a tourist in your own town and find new places and experiences as well as taking time to do things that were never likely to make it off the to do list.  I experienced some "out there" outdoor theatre at Perch, discovered the beautiful park at Tollcross I never knew existed, realised how compact the city is and that there is no reason for us not to cycle or rely on public transport more - it actually is really easy no matter where you're going, got to climb the Glasgow Tower on the most perfect day of the year, discovered a vegan cafe at St Enoch called Mono which had the most amazing looking (and tasting) food.  None of this would have happened if I hadn't taken that time to soak up my city.

Legacy
I understand the need for us to ensure that all that has been achieved during the Games is not allowed to slip through our fingers, that we galvanise the opportunities presented to us to make the City even more successful than it is today for its citizens.

That said I am not a fan of over analysis and job creation for management consultancies to produce reports in a couple of years time that tell us a whole load of things about whether people in deprived areas have taken up sports / developed a healthier lifestyle, whether we've attracted more inward investment etc.  These are important factors and we should be concerned about the state of our nation but the last thing we need is overanalyses.  Lets just assume all of that will happen and find examples of it as we go rather than creating a cottage industry of validation.

Legacy as far as I am concerned is all about the small stuff:
1. the family from London mum and I met at the top of the Glasgow Tower who had never thought of coming to Glasgow, wouldn't have without the Games but have vowed to return for future holidays
2.  Active Sports visiting schools and giving kids the chance to try lots of different sports which has directly led to my nephews trying judo and taekwondo
3. kids getting the chance to go to these venues and see the athletes and be inspired for the future or visiting the digital tent at the BBC and trying out new skills with basic computer programming
4. getting on your bike rather than driving
5. lifting our heads out of our phones and talking to each other on the trains and buses or talking to people we'd never otherwise have met
6. coming together in a shared experience with a positivity that permeates every part of our lives - even the small things of helping each other get served at overcrowded bars, sharing tips on where to go and what to do
7. Young Scot initiative to plant seed bombs the length and breadth of Scotland with legacy wishes from all age ranges - an amazing initiative that humbles you when you read what kids (and adults) wish for
8. entrepreneurship - my junior companions at the Closing Ceremony Party in Glasgow Green made £36 between them just collecting used plastic glasses and returning them to the bar - it made their night and whilst it sounds stupid it did bring out some entrepreneurial skills and reinforce reward for a bit of effort!!  It was also quite funny when the competition emerged too.

So in summary my games is more about my city and the fact that she really showed herself to be the hostess with the mostess wooing everyone in to experience all she had to offer and sending them home having had the most amazing experience and new memories made.

Its also about the citizens of the Dear Green Place - those who stop for a blether, who help anyone and everyone, who include and cheer on all the athletes especially the underdogs and even the English!!!!, the Host City Volunteers, the Clydesiders, those who have worked so tirelessly (or at least sleeplessly) in the hospitality trade that they've barely even experienced the festivities.

And what am I going to commit to? What is my part in Legacy?  To continue to explore my city and all that it has to offer, to make the effort into going further afield and being engaged in my wider country by ticking off the bucket list I never quite get to, to do it using my feet, my bike or public transport (it is so easy), to promote my city at every opportunity and to continually promote my city and keep the spirit of the last two weeks alive.

Thank you is not enough of an appreciation to all those involved but it is what I have so a huge thank you to all who have played their part in making this the most successful fortnight Glasgow has ever had.

Whilst the Games were on I...

...HUNG OUT AT...Perch theatre production, 2 x Queens Baton Relay parties, Mark Beaumont in Conversation at the BBC, Ken Bruce Show, The One Show, Opening Ceremony, Glasgow Green, Merchant City Festival, BBC at the Quay, Glasgow Tower, the swimming, the flotilla, Boomerang, the rugby sevens, three athletics events, Scotland House with Team Scotland on Medals Night and Salsa Celtica & The Funky Shepherds of Lesotho at Festival Club, the Gerard Burns Portrait Exhibition at Clydesdale Bank (don't miss it), the marathon, the time trials, the road race, the Closing Ceremony Party at Glasgow Green...

....WINED ON...mainly beer!!...

...DINED ON...many lovely locally produced foods at the venues including a stunning Loch Fyne fresh made salmon burger.  By far and away though the best meal out I've had during the games is reserved for Bukharah Indian restaurant in the Lorne Hotel, Sauchiehall Street.  It was not only a beautiful setting but the food itself was very flavoursome and majored on being healthy so a lot less oils and you add the sauces for yourself so unlike some other establishments.  It wasn't a case of trying to find some solid food in amongst a dish swimming in sauce.  The food was beautiful, tasty, aromatic and some of the dishes quite unusual.  I would highly recommend it.

So after all that I do find it somewhat ironic that as the athletes get a chance to let their hair down and have a couple of days off to party, have a drink and bad food, the rest of us are back focused on drinking less, eating healthier, getting our exercise regime back in shape.....Here's to a health conscious and business productive week!!

See you next week.  Until then have a good one.  G

My Wee(ish) Gallery from the Games