Govan trainee shoemakers deliver size nine brogues to Sir Alex

Apprentices of Buchanan Bespoke Footwear, recently meet their hero Sir Alex Ferguson, boss of Manchester United Football Club, to present him with a pair of leather shoes, hand made by senior craftsmen in Govan.

Based in Sir Alex’s home town of Govan, the company has been making high-quality tailored shoes for men for nearly 90 years.

Recently, it took on three new apprentices to teach them the craft of luxury footwear production using an exclusive range of fine leathers, linings, and soling materials.

Local lads, Andrew Harvey, 18, Scott Rennie, 17, and William Magee, 27, took a pair of size nine shoes for Sir Alex from the company’s headquarters in Helen Street to his offices in Manchester United’s training ground. There they were able to soak up the iconic atmosphere and deliver the brown brogues to Sir Alex in person.

The experience was particularly exciting for William who is a player for Harmony Row Football Club, of which Sir Alex is a patron and honorary member. William said: ‘It was a dream come true to meet Sir Alex. He is one of Britain’s greatest living football managers and I hope to see him wearing the shoes at a match on TV soon.’

Diana Currie, managing director of Buchanan Bespoke Footwear, said: ‘Our apprentices were thrilled to meet him. We have been providing high quality footwear since 1925. It is important that we keep the traditional hand crafted shoemaking skills alive. By taking on new apprentices we can create a new generation of experts. I wrote to Sir Alex to tell him about our commitment to training and our three new apprentices. He was only too happy to get involved with us as we are based in Govan – his home town.’

Cathy Black, head of textiles, Scottish Enterprise, said: ‘Our textiles and apparel industry in Scotland relies on meticulous processes and a highly skilled workforce. It is essential for companies like Buchanan Bespoke Footwear, to invest in the next generation through apprenticeships and ensure that skills are passed on allowing the industry to thrive. We know that the Buchanan team enjoyed their visit to meet Sir Alex and that they now have a new ambassador for their premier league products.’

Campbell’s legacy lives on

Hundreds of people packed into Falkirk Football Club’s Westfield Stadium on Friday November 4 to celebrate the life of Campbell Christie. The former General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress died, aged 74, on October 28 and was buried at a private service in Kirkcudbrightshire.

His family felt the stadium, where he’d spent many happy hours following his team and chairing the Club, was the appropriate place to hold the public tribute but warned everyone to wrap up well and be prepared to be exposed to the elements.

As it was, the day was dry and sunny and the body heat of the several hundred people who attended and the warmth of feeling for the late Campbell and for his family, helped keep everyone happy.

Current STUC General Secretary, Grahame Smith said that Campbell had taken over at the STUC in 1986 during ‘most challenging times’ for Scottish industry and workers.  ’But he liked a challenge!’

Grahame paid tribute to his predecessor’s skills in negotiation and people management. ‘He was a master of the gentle art of persuasion,’ he said. One of Scotland’s most outstanding trade union and civic leaders, Campbell Christie led the Scottish TUC through the 1980s and 1990s. ‘He was never afraid of taking the difficult decision, even if he knew it might upset the others in the Labour movement. He always saw the bigger picture,’ said Grahame.

A message from First Minister Alex Salmond was read and said Campbell had been ‘unstinting in his public service right up to the end.’  The family expressed their thanks to Mr Salmond for his support during Campbell’s illness.

Among his many civic responsibilities, Campbell served on Boards as diverse as Forth Valley NHS Lothian,  Scottish Enterprise,  British Waterways, Age Concern Falkirk, Central Scotland Race Equality Council and the Scottish Premier League.  In Scotland, he was appointed to the Scottish Futures Forum through the Scottish Parliament and in Europe he was Vice President of the European Union Economic and Social Committee’s section for Cohesion and Economic affairs – among many other appointments. He was honoured by five universities and made CBE in the Queen’s 1997 Birthday Honours list.

Tributes were paid by his son Doug Christie, brother Leslie  and granddaughter Lindsey. And singers Dick Gaughan and MSP Cathy Peattie, also raised their voices, tunefully, to honour the man.

The stadium where the Celebration was held was opened when Campbell was Chairman of the Board of Falkirk Football Club, said present chairman, Martin Ritchie. ‘This is part of his legacy to the people of Falkirk and to the club he served so well.’

In closing, his friend Professor Andrew Scott positioned Campbell’s unique contribution in the history of Scotland. ‘He was an exceptional man who did exceptional things. All of Scotland will miss him,’ he said.

Glasgow hotel use in ten year high

Hotel bookings in Glasgow are at their highest level in a decade, according to a new report.
The latest statistics from Lynn Jones Forecaster, show that occupancy in the city (to September 30) grew to 87% – a 6% rise on September 2009 and a remarkable increase of 16% compared to September 2000.
The data collected was from 31 Glasgow hotels, representing 4,331 rooms – the highest number of rooms ever on sale in the city.
The report also found that room yields – the industry’s standard measure of revenue per available room is continuing to grow despite the current economic conditions. Glasgow’s yields have increased by more than 15% over a 12-month period to an average of £64.61 compared to £54.65 in September last year.
Additional industry research supports this upward trend. New data from STR (Deloitte) Global’s monthly UK hotel trends report for September, produced for Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GCMB), shows that Glasgow hotel bookings continued to outperform many of the city’s European competitors including Copenhagen, Prague, Rome, Dublin, Barcelona and Hamburg.
September’s successful visitor influx can largely be attributed to Glasgow’s hosting of three very different major events in the month – the Papal Visit, the second World Parkinson Congress, which was held outside of the US for the first time and attracted a record number of delegates, and hip-hop superstar P.Diddy’s MTV Crashes…Glasgow showcase at the Old Fruitmarket. It is estimated that around 70,000 people attended these events.
Scott Taylor, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: ‘Glasgow works extremely hard to position itself in the global marketplace and our visitor attractions – from our fantastic shops, museums and galleries to the city’s proximity to outstanding scenic beauty – are among the best in the world.
‘It is testament to Glasgow’s strength and appeal, both as a leading short-break destination and as a host city for major events and international conferences, that while many other cities are seeing a drop in visitor numbers, Glasgow is more than holding its own and our visitor numbers are at an all-time high.’

Briggait born again

by Lynsay Keough, photos Stuart Maxwell

One of the most familiar features on the Glasgow skyline reopened its doors in July. As if beaming with pride,  sunlight flooded into the newly restored Briggait on launch day.

The beautiful, A-listed,  former fishmarket has been lovingly transformed and now houses more than 80 artists and art organisations. It hosted several Merchant City Festival events.

Members of the public will be able to access the stunning 1873 courtyard on a permanent basis from this month.

The redevelopment has taken two years and £6.5 million to complete. Funding came from various sources including Glasgow City Council, Scottish Arts Council Lottery Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, the Hugh Fraser Foundation, the Mickel fund and ethical lenders, Tridos Bank.

David Cook, Chief Executive of WASPS Studios, the Arts charity responsible for the redevelopment,  is delighted with the uptake of the new studio facilities. He said: ‘We have been able to offer people on our waiting list the new studios. Some artists have come over from King Street. The light and energy in the Briggait is amazing.’
Attending the launch was Jennifer Paterson, one half of “Spokes”, a aerial duo skilled in acrobatic displays with lengths of  silk.

Glasgow Textile designer unveils new collection

by Lynsay Keough

Claire McInally, a textile designer from Tollcross,  showcases her latest collection at the New Designers Show in London from 1 July 2010.

She will unveil her latest collection of silk printed scarves and a silk and chiffon mix pleated dress. A continuation of her graduate collection, which was snapped up by high street store Oasis last year and is in store now, the new range is inspired by architectural forms and three dimensional design.

The scarves and dress incorporate delicate pleats and folds to create a 3-D effect in the print while the fabric still remains delicate and feminine.
The 24 year old has celebrated great success over the past year and hopes this exhibition will enhance her career even further. Said Claire: ‘The last year has been amazing. Working with Oasis on my collection has helped me focus on the direction in which I want to take my career. At this event I will unveil my new collection of embroidered scarves and will also show my Oasis range so people can see how I have developed.

“Scotland has a long tradition of producing international respected designers and products and I am proud that I have created my own unique style – a mix of traditional weaving with contemporary design – which will add to this already established heritage.”

Now in its 25th year, New Designers has established a longstanding reputation for bringing young design talent and business together, helping thousands of graduates and young designers propel their careers.

Cathy Black, head of textiles, Scottish Enterprise said: “This is an excellent opportunity for Claire to showcase her newest collection and how far she has developed as a designer in just one year. Claire’s use of traditional weaving techniques with modern aesthetics has established her with a signature, unmistakeable style which has already brought her great success. It is encouraging to see young designers using the long established textiles crafts, for which Scotland is famous, in contemporary design. Claire is an inspiration to all up and coming designers in Scotland and we hope many more will follow in her successful footsteps.”

New Designers 2010 will take place at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, from 1 to 11 July. With a host of industry, media, trend predictors and buyers as well as the general public, this show is seen as an invaluable springboard for all who exhibit.