SCOTSGAY MAGAZINE ================= ScotsGay is a monthly magazine for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Edited, printed and published in Scotland ScotsGay 60/- Light - Issue 64a - July 2005 ELECTRONIC EDITION ***Now available on the Web: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ How to Subscribe and Unsubscribe information is now at the END of the magazine. All Material Copyright (c) Pageprint Publishing Limited 2005. Permission is hereby given to distribute this material provided that this copyright notice is included and that distribution is specifically for non-profitmaking reasons. Distribution for profit must be done only with prior written consent of the magazine any deviation from this will be seen as an infringement of copyright. Hardcopies are limited to one per person for personal use only and such hard copies are subject to the same copyright restrictions as laid out above. The printed edition of ScotsGay is available by post at the following rates: 6 issue sub (UK & EC) GBP8 6 issue sub (Overseas) GBP15 12 issue sub (UK & EC) GBP15 12 issue sub (Overseas) GBP28 Make Cheques and POs payable to 'Pageprint'or 'ScotsGay' and send them to: Subscriptions ScotsGay Magazine PO Box 666 Edinburgh Scotland EH7 5YW Inside this issue: Edinburgh Glasgow Dundee Edinburgh Festival Fringe Interviews with the Stars Book Festival Aberdeen Voice Personals Boxes - The ScotsGay Meet Market Venues ----------------------------------------------------------------- EDINBURGH SCENE =============== Hello campers ... hope you are all enjoying the summer although the weather seems to have gone a wee bit shitty again. In fact, things have gone a wee bit shit full stop, anyone else feel that things just are not safe in the world after all these suicide bombers? But I suppose this is just a metaphor for life really - another thing to be fearful off and if we lived our lives in constant fear we wouldn't go out of the front door. Oh and hooray to London for hosting the Olympics in 200whatever - a wee bit bad taste with all the bragging when the previous night the news had been filled with worldwide poverty (over the G8 period) and London is spending billions on an Olympic village? Kinda weird don't you think? On the up I have heard that the undisputed Queen Of Pop, Madonna, will be releasing a new album in Nov of Dance tracks to coincide with the DVD release of her Reinvention World Tour 2004. There are also rumours of a tour in 2005 so watch this space. Also for Madonna fans anyone interested in seeing her backing singer of 17years Niki Harris? She will be performing at this year's Jazz Festival. WWW: http://www.nikiharris.com/ Also to squash rumours Gerri Halliwell has NOT been dropped from her record label and will be releasing another single of the album in a couple of weeks. With a tour cancelled and a very badly edited Doco on ... shhhhhhh Channel 5! Things were on the way down the pan for old gezza but she is a fighter and a regular on the stage at G.A.Y so give the poor cow a break! WWW: http://www.gerriwood.com/ Oh yeah slightly digressing - why could that be?? Well nothing really changes that much on the Edinburgh gay scene and after three and a half years it is getting hard to make the same things sound exciting! Let me think? Oh yeah somewhere everyone always seems to forget is Frenchies. Now if you are a tourist, and over for the summer then you might be a wee bit afraid of Frenchies. Situated on Rose St North Lane, Frenchies is one of Edinburgh's oldest gay venues and still has the majority of the clientele it had over a decade ago (it has changed its name a couple of times) the bar is not the biggest and could maybe do with a bit freshening up but the staff are always friendly, prices are reasonable and there is something very likeable about the place - if you have not been and would like a change go along and check it out. About ten minutes away is the Newtown Bar in Dublin St - you may miss it but it is a basement bar with a sign to grab your attention that says - yeah you guessed it the Newtown Bar. Now the Newtown has a slightly older clientele and a lot of bears head there along with some seedy married men - well you get them everywhere. (Makes a nice change from seedy single twinks like you, dear! Ed) the Newtown is a slightly darker kind off pub - you will know what I mean if you head along, but I think in a good way. If you know a lot of folk on the gay scene and can't be fucked heading to a bar where people choose to invite themselves into your company and you feel obliged to chat to them then the Newtown is an ideal wee hideyhole where you can tuck yourself into a corner and no one will notice you. The bar also regularly has drink promos running from open - close. A nightclub opens downstairs in the Newtown over Fri and Sat with a house DJ playing all the very best dance tunes. Heading back up Howe Street (home of the LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing) you'll find a swanky new cafe bar due to open later this year to fill the gap so to speak of the Laughing Duck (RIP). Well what else? Although the summer months are here, you may fancy a wee sauna in one of Edinburgh's saunas... Steamworks is situated in Broughton Market just along from the Blue Moon and seems to be heaving since the closure of The Townhouse. De Vils out at Portobello, Raymond tells me, has just got its completion certificate (or somesuch Council nonsense) and will be opening up properly on Mon 1st Aug. And then there's No 18 which is always its good old dependable and crowded self. Down from the Blue Moon is Sala Cafe Bar; now open for a good few years this airy and affordable cafe offers a wide variety of tapas and regular cafe grub. A bar is also open and there's regular entertainment at the weekend. It seems to be a right lezzer hang out too and I think some of the girls meet on Wed for something but I don't actually know what so check out Sala for details. A new LGBT Badminton group now meets regularly having been founded as part of the LGBT Centre For Health and Wellbeing's LGBT Active Programme. WWW: http://beetee.org/badminton.htm Bootylushous have been banging their drum: "Bootylushous has an enviable reputation in the city for its atmosphere, pro DJs, good music and up-for-it crowd of socialites and disco dancers! Promoter and resident DJ Dale Lush launched Bootylushous in May 2003 with a vision of creating a night where black music of all genres would be celebrated. From 60's soul & 70's disco to bad ass hip hop and RnB with occasional house classics thrown in for good measure.. Laying down this soundtrack with a passion for real music, DJ Dale Lush and guests spin out the sounds every Sun at this 'Edinburgh's no1 soul soiree'." Enough of Dale's hype: it's on every Sunday at Medina 10pm- 3am (5am in Aug). Summer is also affecting the Lebian and Gay Real Ale Drinkers' monthly pintette. Because of the Great British Beer Festival in London, it will be a week later than usual on Mon 8th Aug in the Regent from 8.30pm(ish). The new improved Mariners (formerly The Commplex) was much appreciated by the Burly boys when it re-opened the other week. The new owners pulled out all the stops to get the refurb finished in time but I hear that there were queues for the gents because they weren't quite finished timeously. Now you know what the girls have to put up with in most venues! Well that just about wraps that up ... What else? Oh yeah check out http://www.samanthaswallows.com/ for her fab new website. For those who don't know her Sam is Habana's regular drag act on Thu nights and sun afternoons this may change so check out the web for the latest Habana gossip and whereabouts of Ms Swallows. Enjoy your summer. Alan x E-mail: weelan@drink.demon.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------- GLASGOW ======= We regret that there is no Glasgow column in this issue due to a production problem. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DUNDEE ====== Hello everybody. It's fairly quiet out there this month, the abundance of good weather, lack of students and the Dundee fair have left most bars and clubs fairly lacking in action. Along the Tay in Perth a new gay night is about to begin called Mi Cielo - "my everything". I'm giving plenty of notice on this one for a change since the first night is not until Sun 2nd Oct, and will then run every first Sun of the month from then. Location is Whispers Night Club on Canal Street, £5 entry from 10pm onwards with various concessions available. There will be all the usual drinks promotions, prize giveaways and hopefully will provide for a great atmosphere. Diversitay had a successful quiz night, and hope to hold another sometime in the future. There will still be the monthly icebreaker evening though held in Braes on Perth Road, next one Wed Aug 17th from 8pm. Over at Charlie's Bar they have finally retired the old relic from behind the bar, probably putting it into a museum to appear next to a Sinclair C5 and Space Invaders machine. I do of course refer to the till, as the Charlie and Ian continue their efforts to update the place. There won't be any quiz in August since the guys are still on holiday, no doubt it will be back the following month. Last I heard all the usual things are happening in Out and Brooklyn's Bar, including the various drinks offers and innovative competitions on offer throughout the week. I notice outside of the Out/Brooklyn's complex has been spruced up, and gossip has it that there are plans for a beer garden, perhaps preparing for the inevitable coming of the smoking ban for enclosed public spaces. It is nice to see that Brooklyn's Bar keep the rainbow flag outside the door in good order, after all there aren't many of them in Scotland and I certainly don't know of any further north than Dundee. Chris E-mail: courier_chris@yahoo.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SCOTTISH MEDIA MONITOR ====================== Garry Otton on being FREE TO HATE FASCISM Whilst the Racial and Religious Hatred bill was getting an airing, religion put in an appearance behind the first suicide bombers on the British mainland. Holding up a score-board for different religions, The Herald huffed and puffed in its editorial: "It is hard, frankly, to argue that exactly the same standards are being applied across the board: that religious hatred expressed by Muslim extremists is being policed as strictly as that by common-or-garden domestic bigots from other religions". For 'commonor- garden domestic bigots' I presumed they meant the knucklescraping neds who screamed sectarian abuse across the football terraces and not the ones expressing it in Scottish media. Newspapers like The Herald, once famous for the bigoted ranting of one John MacLeod, the sexually confused, homophobic son of the fire and brimstone Wee Free preacher, Professor Donald MacLeod with his own column in The West Highland Free Press. The Herald was unrepentant after MacLeod labelled gays "simply not equipped to live". However, after being sacked for suggesting schoolkids, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman's lives would've been saved had they been in church on the day they were murdered, he was snapped up by The Scottish Daily Mail). Without a black pot or kettle in sight, The Herald's editorial insisted: "Moderate Muslim leaders need to be more assertive in their attempts to reclaim their faith from the fiery preachers trying to hijack it for evil ends". From his pulpit-column in The Scottish Daily Mail, John MacLeod fretted over the new bill threatening to undermine some of the privileges enjoyed by his fellow religionists: "By the law of unintended consequences, it could expose Free Presbyterian ministers, for instance, to jail for quoting the Westminster Confession of Faith on the papal anti- Christ'; or for preaching on such portions of Scripture that explicitly condemn homosexual acts". He had no need to worry. His religionist friends in the House of Lords blocked measures affording equal protection to gays. Meanwhile, in Scotland on Sunday, Gerald Warner cast the same jaundiced eye over the nation as the religionists who had blown themselves and those around them up in the name of Allah. "Britain and Europe today are so secularised that we have lost even the capacity to comprehend the religious mind. People motivated by their faith are 'nutters'. Suicide bombers are routinely described as 'cowardly'. A suicide bomber may be evil, deluded or demented, but one thing he is not is a coward. Last Thursday, Tony Blair proclaimed that 'our values will long outlast theirs'. Our values? Precisely what values in our crime-ridden, uncivil, irreligious, drug-addicted and sex-obsessed society, where family life is being eradicated with government help, was Blair invoking?" The Sunday Times Scotland threw precious column inches away on a story by Kathleen Nutt on how: "Parents may lose right to opt children out of sex education". I don't feel a pinch of remorse for the sensitivities of mean-spirited parents who would deny children their right to a full and proper education. Particularly to deny them something as important as sex education, because Lord knows they need it! Unfortunately, at this stage, only the local authorities in Glasgow seemed interested in tackling the shockingly high rate of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies amongst teenagers. This was a one-sided story about a bunch of religious nutters; who want to stop wee Johnny forcing condoms over bananas and put him a class where he can read how Lot fucked his daughters. Ms Nutt brought on Mrs Eileen McCloy, Catholic mother of millions, who pulled her 10-yearold son out of classes so he could stand around with his hands in his pockets because she thought his sexual education was too explicit. "I am Catholic…" she proudly told Sunday Times Scotland, "and the Catholic church recognises that I am the principal teacher of my child. So I should be able to decide what is right, and what is not right for my child. They shouldn't be allowed to take my right as a parent away from me. I think it's very patronising. A mother knows best what stage her child is at and what is appropriate. I don't want to have a say in what they are taught in English or maths, but in this most sensitive of areas, I certainly do". So that's it then, kids whose parents are members of the Flat Earth Society can bunk off Geography! Nutt also quoted Lynn Murray who pulled two of her kids out of classes threatening to point to Rude Bits. Mrs Murray was from an outfit calling itself Parents for Consultation. Finally, Peter Kearney, spokesman for the Caths dropped in to say how the proposal to undermine parents 'rights' showed "outrageous ignorance". Good on yer, Pete. Praise be, son! The last thing we want are kids speaking out! Goodness knows they've got the Catholic Church into enough trouble as it is! If Ms Nutt was at all bothered, she would've included the opinion of one of those kids who had been denied access to sex education or perhaps spoken to the ones who have protested that sex education in schools is hopelessly inadequate. Kearney stormed: "Catholic parents choose Catholic schools in order to avoid the worst excesses of the sexual health zealots in our health boards and in our councils…" Ms Nutt dragged in an unnamed Scottish Executive spokesman "who did not agree with the legal advice received by Glasgow…" and Dr Nanette Milne, a Tory health spokesperson who added: "This is another example of the politically correct world we live in where one size has to fit all". Utter bollocks! She's obviously not learnt to put them on right! What a fall from grace. Supporting the repeal of Section 28 as former editor of The Scotsman, to the degrading position of columnist for The Scottish Daily Mail, Tim Luckhurst now stood in solidarity with religionist propaganda that insists too much, rather than not enough sex education, is responsible for Scotland's appalling level of STIs and teen pregnancies. "Four decades of mandatory sex education have created squalid mayhem on a grotesque scale", he shrieked with typical Mail fervour. He got one thing right: "This generation, in which more than one in four 14-year-old girls admits to regular, drunken sex with multiple partners, is the sordid product of a crusade conducted by adults". A crusade is exactly what inhibits us from teaching sex. Real sex. With such beautiful expressions of sex in art and sculpture, what stops them being understood by young people? Luckhurst groaned: "Our children are the victims of a determined campaign of interference by zealous apostles of mandatory, value-free sex education". (For 'value', read 'family values' and for 'family values' read 'just say no') and went on to deplore the efforts of Glasgow City Council who were trying to ensure children's rights were observed by making sex education accessible. Luckhurst labelled their efforts "Stalinist" and "detestable". His knee-jerk reaction was to imagine the "nightmare prospect" of one of his daughters "undergoing an abortion alone, without emotional support required by any vulnerable young women in that predicament". Such giveaway sentiments over "that predicament" may hint at why a young person might seek advice and support outside the family. The fundamentalist rant continued: "Rates of teenage pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted disease are far lower in countries where sex education involves parents and churches as well as schools… Some teenagers are relieved to be encouraged towards abstention". But abstention is an extreme measure, like pouring bromide in tea. Sexual expression is perfectly natural. To rail against it is like chopping the balls off a dog when it mounts a chair leg. Luckhurst was unmoved. "To promote any other view is to destroy the fabric of family life" and "that is what Scotland's sex education zealots want". (We're really into this 'zealots' thing, aren't we?) Whilst admitting the ugliness of Scotland's attitudes to gay sexuality, (he blamed it on the people of Scotland rather than directly at the Church), he insisted: "They long to eliminate any connection between morality and sexual behaviour and detest churches and civilised agnostics for believing that attitudes renders human beings no better than animals. The sex education industry sneers whenever morality is mentioned and declares parents such as me out of touch". But can they be trusted to teach their children about sex any more than, say, Algebra or Sociology? We don't need religionists infiltrating schools. The Sunday Herald was one of the few papers to report how Gregory Carlin, heading a newly-formed organisation calling itself The Rights Of The Scottish Child, aided by money from US religious fundamentalists, was planning to sue Glasgow City Council over its plans to abolish the parental opt-out. What an extraordinary name for an organisation that fights to take away the rights of young people! I want to be elevated by the fine wine of erotic art of sex and sensuality, not drunk on the piss-stained, sugar-water, tabloid sex that's passed around the playground today. Communities minister, Malcolm Chisholm's faux outing was a dipstick test of Scotland's inherent homophobia. The whole incident was not worthy of a cursory mention in a media blog's diary but it's widespread media attention spoke volumes of our cautious attitudes to all things sexual, especially bum boys. Mungo McKay, Scotland on Sunday diarist wrote: "What a hoot! The spoof e-mail about Chisholm being gay landed at around lunchtime and had us all rolling on the floor with laughter. Old Malky might have a camp gait but there's little doubt he plays with a straight bat". Turning the tables, I'm going to re-write Daily Record reporter Dave King's story: "Cops probe 'Chisholm gay' hoax. Hunt on for hoaxer who 'outed' Chisholm". (Reporter Dave King is better known for his homophobic stories during this paper's shameful Keep the Clause campaign). Here goes: "Government minister Malcolm Chisholm was falsely outed as 'straight' yesterday - prompting an urgent police probe. A hoaxer hijacked the Executive's news release system to send a statement, claimed to be from Chisholm… to newspaper and other media. It quoted the gay minister as saying he was married and 'straight' and had been 'happy for several months with a dutiful wife'. But minutes after the fake press release appeared in newspaper offices, horrified Executive staff were forced to issue immediate denials. Press officer Mark Hannan said: 'It's a hoax. We're trying to get to the bottom of this.' As investigations got under way, officials tried desperately to contact 56-year-old Communities Minister Chisholm. The politician, a former teacher who has been gay for 30 years and has a partner, was in parliament yesterday for the Labour group's daylong strategy meeting. Chisholm's interest in football have made him the object of mainly friendly banter from fellow MSPs who affectionately refer to him as 'Butch'." (I think that's a fair interpretation of King's original sentence, which read: "Chisholm's mild manners have made him the object of mainly friendly banter from fellow MSPs who affectionately refer to him as 'Jessie'.") "Last night, he appeared relaxed as he dismissed the hoax, saying simply: 'It's all garbage.' Asked if he had any idea of who could have been responsible for such a stunt, he said: 'We all make enemies in politics…' The statement appeared to quote Chisholm urging other 'straight' MSPs to 'drop the bitch and make the switch' too. It read: 'I am aware of much speculation in media circles, and even amongst my own fellow MSPs, regarding my sexuality. But I would today like to shake off the shackles that have bound me and announce to the world that I am 'straight' and I'm in love. I will not reveal the identity of the woman, but my partner understands my needs to find a woman after long discussions. I will continue to support him…" Any comments, press release or otherwise, that contain such homophobic sentences as: "But now my gap has been well and truly filled in", deserve to be taken with a pinch of salt. It looks like The Daily Record has found the missing link between lust and evil. It is lesbianism. "House of blood fiend's lesbian lust for killer", Janice Burns found the link in her report when: "Caged House of Blood murderer Edith McAlinden" was "two-timing her lesbian lover with a savage killer". McAlinden's "new jail flame" was Pamela Gourlay, both serving life sentences and both described as "monsters" enjoying sex sessions. The lesbian tryst was central to the story. McAlinden had "romanced drug dealer Michelle Morrow, 38, while serving a previous sentence…" and she had "given Morrow the pet name 'wee man'." I don't see why anyone should be so surprised that prisoners enjoy gay sex. I would hope most of them would be at it in far less time than it took Big Brother contestants, Anthony and Craig to preen, hold hands or play footsie. Banged up together for just seven weeks and after such fairly benign foreplay, the media were quick to label them both gay. The Record reported: "inmates say McAlinden and Gourlay are often spotted having sex in their cells. One insider said: 'McAlinden can't get enough sex and is not that fussy about who provides it". But where do newspaper-reading inmates get the idea that stripping off and enjoying sex is the privilege of the good-looking? Who promotes this body-fascism? Record columnist John McKie wrote: "Public nudity is like politics or karaoke - not in principle a bad idea, but completely spoiled by the people who choose to do it… People… who often walk about starkers, often have a haunted sadness in their eyes". E-mail: garry@scottishmediamonitor.com Read the papers, post your comments or search for material at the SCOTTISH MEDIA MONITOR website: http://www.scottishmediamonitor.com ScotsGay supports the work of Outrage! P O Box 17816, London SW14 8WT. Donations welcome: http://www.outrage.org.uk/ CUT IT OUT… Mrs Katie Grant, all-media Catholic/Tory propaganda columnist in The Sunday Times Scotland: "I have managed to pass on my hatred of ball games to my son, an achievement of which I am strangely proud, although my daughter, who is a proficient long-distance runner, finds this absolutely abominable". Shall I tell her or will you? A Grampian Police spokesperson's reaction to a couple caught having sex in Asda supermarket's car park in the middle of the afternoon in The Sunday Mail: "We received a call about a couple having relations in a car at the entrance to the car park. It was reported both parties were stark naked…" Only a gay man could write a column on Doctor Who! But why, oh why did it have to be John MacLeod in The Scottish Daily Mail: "Captain Jack's blatant (if never explicit) bisexuality is not, really, for children's television". Scotland, 2005: "I do not understand the basis of Jenny Hjul's complaint (Opinion, 14 July), regarding the non-admission of women to golf clubs. Surely it is undeniable fact that women simply cannot play the game as well as men. For one thing, they are not physically equipped to do so. But they also lack the will to win possessed by most men. To allow women unfettered access to golf clubs would mean, as is sometimes the case in education, that standards of excellence would be levelled down rather than pushed up. Is this really what we want?" Samuel J Anderson from Stenhousemuir in his letter to The Scotsman. ------------------------------------------------------------------- YOUR ScotsGay essential GUIDE to the festival fringe ==================================================== QUEER INTEREST at the Edinburgh Fringe ScotsGay's very own Martin Walker... brings you the best of queer interest at the Edinburgh Fringe for this, his sixth Festival year. Martin takes 1799 Fringe shows and selects his Top 50(ish). Catch the reviews of the ScotsGay team in the next issue. First things first - on 26th Aug, don't be anywhere other than at Waverley Care's Comedy Gala 2005, the annual comedy highlight of the Fringe. This year they have two epic shows on the same night. Julian Clary, who you may have heard of, hosts the first, whilst the lovely cuddly Irish ball of cheeky loveliness, Dara O Briain, hosts the second. Past performers have read like a who's who of top comedians and this year will be no exception. All in a good cause too. Edinburgh Festival Theatre Edinburgh is renowned internationally as the place where stars are made. Comedians and actors cut their teeth on the Fringe circuit before they go on to, say, host their own Channel Four Quiz show. This year however we are blessed with the presence of a pair of international stars who have already made it big. Kiki and Herb, the comic creations of Justin Bond and Kenny Mellman, have already sold out at huge concert halls across England and the United States of America, wooing audiences and critics alike. Kiki is a washed up, sixty something, bitter wannabe diva with the sharpest of tongues. Herb, bless him, tries to keep up with her on the piano as Kiki sings, rants, raves and digresses. Not for the faint hearted or the obsessively politically correct, Kiki and Herb host a filthy, bitchy, intelligent, satirical hour that redefines the word 'edgy'. Fans include Radiohead and Stephen Sondheim, no less. They have even toured with the Scissor Sisters. Go see them. Pleasance One Dark Horse, Indiana is the story of a frightened closet heterosexual in a gay world. Think of the New Town Bar on a global scale, except this poor straight chap's father is in charge and has made being hetro an executable offence. The worm has turned in a timely social satire that focuses on the family, politics and the media. Pleasance Attic Aisle16: Poetry Boyband will be brilliant because Aisle16 always are. These clever hardworking poets know how to write, how to perform, and how to get the message across. Eradicating bullshit whilst thoroughly entertaining their audience along the way, you wont miss a word. In the last few years their shows have won huge critical acclaim. See why for yourself. Pleasance Cellar Caroline Reid is Pam Ann: Flying High. This show is a top-drawer drag act, except with a twist - a woman performs it. Sending up airline attendant stewardess kitsch, as well as the whole flight industry, she'll have you in stitches. Oh and it's more than a tiny bit rude. Well, quite a big bit. Pleasance Beyond In Christine Jorgensen Reveals, acclaimed lipsyncher, Bradford Louryk, brings his tour-de-force recreation of America's first famous transsexual's only recorded interview to life. The result is a disarming and enlightening new play about the nature of humanity in which Ms. Jorgensen - displaying charisma, and grace - speaks candidly about her extraordinary life. Assembly Rooms Drawing Room David Benson's Conspiracy Cabaret is a show I'm personally really looking forward to. Benson is, as any regular Fringe goer will know, one of the most talented storytellers around. Funny and warm, with a seemingly endless repertoire of songs and impressions - he has the kind of act that'll leave you with a life affirming warm glow. Highly recommended. Assembly Rooms Drawing Room Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter - The Musical is a camp delight that, for once, you can definitely take your kids to see. It's being punted as a children's show, which, to be fair, it is - but we're promised a full-on musical with larger than life characters and high camp. The lead character, the King, is apparently referred to as a "mix of Captain Hook and Dame Edna." Sounds like a lot of fun. Assembly Rooms Ballroom Twelfth Night - The Musical on the other hand probably isn't for kids, especially as it stars the most adult of all things - a former Tory MP. Gyles Brandreth, who is as camp as a row of very large knickers on a pink washing line, sings along with the team the brought you the excellent 'Zipp!' a few years back. Twelfth Night - The Musical Assembly Rooms Music Hall, George Street Noon from 5th Aug Tallulah May, will finally bring her own unique brand of observational comedy to The Holyrood Tavern after a medical disaster left her with a free floating ribcage (yes, really) forcing her to pull her 2004 show at the last minute. Formerly a nun at the ancient ScotsGayat the Edinburghfringe festival Order of St Kathryn the Martyr in Memphis, Tennessee, Tallulah was dismissed after Mother Superior spotted the "Elvis is King" tattoo emblazoned on Sister May's left breast. Hear her spill some hyperactive beans. Holyrood Tavern Inspired by the John Travolta/Nick Cage action flick FACE/OFF, Judith and Alys defy medical science and basic common sense, swapping faces, bodies and ultimately, brains in a struggle to save the audience from a deadly bomb. Faultless and Torrance take their Faces/Off is a film-club spectacular of swordplay, jiggling breasts and graphic, blood-soaked ickiness. Another highlight. Gilded Balloon London's top comedians will risk punishment and humiliation in the sexed up topical quiz, Mistress O's Comic Discipline. Lured into Mistress O's midnight dungeon will be many an innocent comedian, including the brilliant, and really rather sexy Paul Foot. Apparently others will be queuing up to compete for Mistress O's approval. She demands only that her guests obey three simple rules: 'Be Funny', 'Be Tasteful,' and 'Behave'. Gilded Balloon Philip Giorgi is bringing two shows to the Fringe that ScotsGay readers should check out. The first is Out On The Fringe, which deals with gay love and life, taking wellknown songs from the musical theatre and reinterpreting them from a gay perspective. Sounds good. The second show is A Swell Party - A Celebration of Cole Porter, which tells the life story of the great man through his music. You'll be amazed how many of these tunes you'll know. Augustine's Studio ScotsGay raves about the 'C' Venues every year, but this year they have outdone themselves when it comes to stuff of interest. Shakespeare for Breakfast, Bad Play and NewsReview are all great shows that have become cult classics for those in the know. Add to that the Rap Canterbury Tales, last years critically acclaimed hit and total sell out show, and you already have a great line up. But there is more… How about a lipsynched drag musical about the alleged slutty one from Buck's Fizz? A Night of a Thousand Jay Astons provocatively mixes art and theatre in this high camp romp. Remember the Eurovision winning, skirt ripping, coach crashing pop group - who could forget the 80's pop classic 'Making Your Mind Up'? Beneath that wholesome bubblegum exterior a darker story lurks. 'C' Chambers Street Boston Marriage features the 'scandalous' relationship between two Edwardian women on the fringes of society. We are promised an expose of cruelty, greed and predatory impulses in this, Mamet's comedy of sex and savagery. Definitely not one for the kids, expect a challenging drama with some great set pieces. 'C' central Two separate versions of the classic Corpus Christi appear at a new 'C' theatre space, 'electric'. The venue was known last year as the Pod Deco, but is still best recognised by Edinburgers as the former Odeon cinema on Clerk Street. If you don't know about the massive controversy that surrounded Corpus Christi, then God knows where you've been. It's the story of Christ, depicted as a less than totally heterosexual fella. And readers of the Daily Mail hate it. 'C' electric Cancan, corsets, circus, cabaret! Return to the spirit of the Moulin Rouge with Burlesk's Little Bo Peepshow (I'm advised my spelling is correct). With eye-popping and tantalising world of burlesque, see striptease, bellydancing, tableaux vivant all before your big wide eyes! Oh, and it has a late bar. The Devil Applying Cosmetics is a fascinating insight into femininity, gender identity and cosmetics, which both attacks and mimics the art of dressing up. Using the plot of Ben Jonson's Epiocene, in which a man marries a silent woman only to discover she is a boy, this show fuses Restoration and contemporary theatre. Cross-dressing and gender-bending are a central theme. 'C' venues Holly's Hot Spot features Holly Penfield, the San Franciscan cabaret diva direct from London's Cafe Royal. She has a considerable gay following in London and other European cities (she sang for a group of 500 gay men in France). Building a bonfire of music, eccentricity and daring drop-dead chic in Holly¹s Hot Spot, she bares her soul and a little bit more! 'C' venues Sister Myotis: Southern Fried and Sanctified is an irreverent romp by Voices of The South imports the Deaconess of a Memphis Megachurch (complete with water slides and bowling alleys). The're here to save the souls of sinful Fringe-goers and lay the groundwork to spread Americanstyle family values throughout Scotland. 'C' venues Being Earnest: It's Rather Important, is an exciting, youthful take on Oscar Wilde's classic, The Importance of Being Earnest. Shore Thing Youth Theatre felt that the genius and humour of Wilde had been neglected by the youth of today, including themselves, so they decided a re-vamp was in order. The action slips in and out of the Wilde script, incorporating their own writing. 'C' central Staying with the famous Irishman for a moment, 'Wilde by Name' takes a more critical look at Oscar and his life. Was he Wilde by nature? Was he a playboy, poser, pederast, playwright, poet or performer? On his release from gaol, Jonathan King was derided for comparing himself to Oscar Wilde. But is this closer to the truth than we'd like to admit? 6 performances only. Diverse Attractions A couple of versions of Some Explicit Polaroids from the brilliant Mark 'Shopping and Fucking' Ravenhill also feature on the Fringe this year. Full of sex, drugs, strong language, violence and death, expect powerful stuff that explores love and the loveless in a very adult way. Diverse Attractions Talking of Mark Ravenhill, he makes his professional acting debut in his self-penned new play, Product. Performing at one of Edinburgh's very best, all year round theatre spaces, The Traverse, Product explores just how far someone will go to achieve their ambitions. Amy is a hot young starlet. Now all she needs is the script which will save her from B movie hell. Mark thinks he's got the perfect pitch - a script which combines a torrid love story with the dark spectre of terrorism and big, big explosions. If he can only persuade Amy, he's got the perfect Product. Traverse Theatre When student Matt Shepard was murdered for being gay, in Laramie, Wyoming, USA, his family was tormented in the name of God. Trouble is that this sexuality inflamed small-town prejudice is still all too real. The Laramie Project is a hard-hitting true story that, if done well, will have you in tears of anger. There are two separate productions of Laramie at the Fringe this year, and both companies have an excellent rerputation. American High School Theatre Production Church Hill Theatre Stormness Drama Club Production The Zoo The wonderfully named 'Dead Rabbit Productions' who brought us 'Once a Catholic' last year, are a young, vibrant, amateur company, with a lot of potential. It'll be fascinating to see how they deal with Beautiful Thing, Jonathan 'Gimme Gimme Gimme' Harvey's feel-good gay comedy. The story of the first love between two teenage boys has been performed by many a young lot at the Fringe over the years, with varying degrees of success. This version however, shows every sign of being special. The Zoo Bedlam Theatre's Improverts seem to have been performing since the start of the Fringe itself. Mind you, they are Edinburgh University students, so the line up changes year on year. Occasionally they slip into one too many in-jokes for their friends in the crowd, but it's still one of the very best improv. shows around. Improverts Bedlam Theatre 00:30 from 04 August ClubWEST host an Audience with a Transvestite for one week only, so catch it whilst you can. Max becomes Maxine and shares her/his feelings over some canapes and wine in this world premiere. This promises to be a unique and honest show from a transvestite with something to say. ClubWEST Scott Capurro has spent so much time in Edinburgh over the years it's a wonder he retains his American accent. Crude and rude - you'll either love or hate him. No one is safe and no cows are sacred. Frequently described, more or less accurately, as the gay Bernard Manning, he'll break a taboo before anyone else does. When he played at the Stand Comedy Club earlier this year the predominately gay audience couldn't get enough of him. The Tron The Stand, of course, has produced some of the finest comedy acts to come out of Scotland - but one of the very best has to be the brilliantly bitchy queen, Bruce Devlin. Much more than an ordinary standup, this sharp Scottish character comic can make you laugh so hard it really fucking hurts. This year's show, Selkirk Bannock, is bound to be painful. Bruce Devlin: Selkirk Bannock The Stand Comedy Club II 19.10 from 5th Aug The aptly named Lipstick Theatre Company present Out of the Corset, a seductive lesbian romance that follows a woman on her voyage of self-discovery and fulfilment. This UK premiere is preceded by queer short art films 'Purple Haze' and 'Pride'. As the gay male content of the Fringe seems to expand exponentially year on year, this play readdress the balance a tad. Out of the Corset Greenside 18.45 from 22nd Aug Have you seen the Rocky Horror Show lately? Well forget it. Hedwig and the Angry Inch whips its 70's ass. More of a rock gig than traditional theatre, it tells the tragic story of an East German boy called Hansel, who gets a sex change in order to marry an Am-erican GI and finally get over the Berlin Wall. Sadly the operation is botched, and the Berlin Wall fell anyway. Loud brash and sexy, the show will have you screaming for an encore. It was made into a film in 2001. Hedwig and the Angry Inch Greenside 2225 from 5th Aug Talking of shows that have been movies, Six Degrees of Separation is the tale of a young gay man who uses charm and wit to immerse himself into the lives of rich families. Claiming to be the rich son of Sidney Potier, he manipulates his hosts into giving him money and a home. But what is the true identity of this handsome young chap? Roman Eagle Lodge Kiss of a Spiderwoman is the classic story of a gay window dresser and a Marxist journalist sharing a prison cell. Imagine a kind of 1970's Latin American version of Channel Four's Big Brother and you're nearly there. Actually, this play is much better than that, thank God, and well worth a look. Running for 6 afternoons only. Rocket The frequently brilliant About Turn Theatre Company have no less than four productions showing at Rocket this year, and they are all worth a look. ScotsGay Fringe favourite, Dan Hyde has his own take on Shakespeare's classic Romeo and Juliet which promises youthful, dynamic performances from this very special director. You can also opt for an appetizer in the form of Durang B4 Dinner. Christopher Durang's four short stories include "The Actor's Nightmare", "Entertaining Mr. Helms", "Funeral Parlour" and "Naomi in the Living Room". Then there's Duck - a modern tale about two young city girls surviving in a world of alcohol, affairs and abuse. Should they be satisfied with mediocrity, or should they escape their predictable lives? Follow them as they break the routine. These characters, I'm sure, we'll all recognise. Lastly, there's Pitchfork Disney, which apart from anything else, is a great title. The blurb asks: "What do you do when your nightmares walk through the door asking what happened to Mummy and Daddy?" Post-modern London Life under the microscope with some very black humour. Rocket Greyfriars Kirk House is a wonderful venue, slightly off the beaten track, which seems to excel in finding innovative productions to stage. The Lipstick Sherlock Holmes is another example of this tradition. The play is a gender bending exploration of female autonomy and independence in our world of strict social norms and values. Clearly another favourite for Daily Mail readers then. Watch as the lead, Charlotte, transforms into Conan Doyle's master creation, Sherlock Holmes. 7 performances only. Greyfriars Kirk House If you like Tom Lehrer, Victor Borge, Fascinating Aida, Flanders and Swann or Anna Russell, chances are you'll love Kit and the Widow - Edinburgh favourites for many a Fringe. This year they're performing the songs of Tom Lehrer, the American satirist, with the glamorous Dillie Keane. Stage by Stage Edinburgh Academy Debra-Jane Appelby was the victor at the Funny Women competition in London's Comedy Store in July, which is a massive achievement in itself. But what made her triumph all the sweeter is that she is a transsexual, not that she mentioned it in her act - indeed, the audience and the judges in London were unaware of the fact. Appleby's Journey To The 21st Century signposts the difference between Science Fiction expectations of the future and the reality of the present day. A funny show, from a funny woman, whose past is irrelevant in 2005. Underbelly Finally, a quick mention for the new sketch comedy show, Lost and Lonely Rebels. This is nothing to do with anything gay; it's just that Humphrey Ker, Miles Jupp and Stuart Murphy are all really rather good. Underbelly That's your lot. Back later in August with a stack of reviews. If there's a show that we've missed, E-mail me and I'll set the matter straight In our next issue I will be catching up with Topping and Butch and Danny Worthington from the show Desperately Seeking Sorrow. Martin Walker E-mail: mgwuk@hotmail.com Thanks to Mr. Graham Clark OBE for his fine assistance. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Martin Powell's Pick of the Fringe ================================== Well another Fringe is upon us. Lots of well known names are in Edinburgh and some new ones. New venues opening, old ones closing, some changing managers, and some just not happening and companies looking for somewhere else to perform. As predicted last year, The Riot Group are back with Switch Triptych (Assembly Rooms). Since 1997 they have brought uncompromised intensity to the world of contemporary theatre, winning recognition for outstanding new writing and ensemble acting. Who says so? They do, on their Web site, but I agree with every word. Their new play is set in a New York telephone exchange in 1919 on the eve of automation and looks at the conflicts between young and old, man against machine, immigrant verses native. I'm looking forward to it, but then I was described last year as "A Riot Group groupie" (thanks Louise), so perhaps I'm biased. Another company I really rate are Trestle and they have Beyond Midnight (Pleasance Courtyard). Cinderella is dead, the law decrees her widowed husband must remarry, he still has the glass slipper, another foot fits perfectly, but happily ever after is about to end. Combining Trestle's visual style, masks, puppetry, music, and new writing by Diane Samuels. Expect the impossible to be achieved on stage. Both the above companies have picked up Fringe First awards with ease and could do so again. One person who has not been so fortunate, and I've no idea why, is Pip Utton. I described has show last year as "a work of sheer genius". This year he is back with his excellent Adolf (Roman Eagle Lodge), about Hitler's final hours but with a twist in the tail, and a new play Bacon (Pleasance Courtyard) a one-man show about the painter Francis Bacon. A life fuelled by drunkenness, gambling, and a liking for a bit of rough. With a nice coincidence in timing there is also an exhibition of Francis Bacon: Portraits and Heads (Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art) . The first exhibition of his work in Scotland. The Traverse has put together an outstanding collection of theatre from the expected, through the unusual, to the apparently bizarre. Paines Plough and The Bush Theatre have After The End by Dennis Kelly. They were all in the pub when the explosion happened. Louise and Mark ask can they survive the attack. Daniel Kitson is someone I think of a comedian. It will be interesting to see his Stories for the Wobbly Hearted. It's about love and sadness. Grid Iron are back with a site specific work at Traverse 4 (Debenhams on Princes St). The Devil's Larder is about the impact of food on human society and how it can act as a catalyst for unleashing our fears, desires, and taboos. The Traverse Theatre Company have two shows. East Coast Chicken Supper by Martin J Taylor is set in a small Fife town where cookery and cocaine meet. The Found Man is a historical drama set in 1859 focusing on a fragile community in a climate of fear. Mark Ravenhill and Paines Plough have Product written by Ravenhill and where he makes his professional acting debut in this satire on the film industry. Arches Theatre Company have Snuff by Davey Anderson. Billy's just back from Iraq in this dark unsettling comedy. At Traverse 5 (McEwan Hall) one can experience Guided Tour, a journey around the dank, dark, and mysterious underground passages of Mc Ewan Hall. I'm not sure what to make of Breath[e], "a play without words or actors". It should be different. Finally there is My Pyramids! Or: How I got Fired from the Dairy Queen, and Ended Up in Abu Ghraib, by Private Lynndie England. Canadian playwright Judith Thompson brings her version of Lynndie to life with a smile on her face and a dog leash in her hand. I'm expecting something political - I could be wrong. If that's the longest name for a show the longest show comes in at 16 hours, however all is not what it seems. It's Not another Firkin Festival: A Celebration of Scottish Beer (Blue Blazer). An non-ticketed event. I would advise against staying for the full 16 hours. The eccentric Peepolykus have All in the Timing (Assembly Rooms). It probably will be. Common Room are doing Bimbo (CVenues), A satire on sex in high places. A president wants to tell the truth about his sex life. Clyde Unity Theatre & BandBazi have a new play by John Binnie, Breakfast at Audrey's (Gilded Balloon Teviot) exploring the life of Audrey Hepburn seen through the eyes of a Scottish mother. Can A Clockwork Orange work on stage? Godlight Theatre Company think so (Gilded Balloon Teviot). We shall see. Kandinsky have Enola (Smirnoff Baby Belly), a powerful play about nuclear suburbia. Another Twinsglitter Production are doing Fabaret (City Cafe). Midnight, what better time for us to drag you into complete cabaret mayhem. Theatre of the Insane have Forbidden (Holyrood Tavern). Raw dialogue and imagery involving race, religion, sex, and politics. However I expect they will find the venue somewhat challenging. Demarco Rocket Productions have the excellent Hannah and Hanna (Demarco Roxy Art House), Hanna 16 from Kosovo encounters Hannah 16 from Margate. Rogue State Theatre Company have Heart of a Dog (Assembly Rooms). The testicles of a dead man are transplanted onto a dog. Heart? Seagull Productions have Here (Hill Street Theatre), a rare chance to see one of Michael Freen's lesser known comedies. The superb Double Edge Drama are doing The Hothouse (C electric), Harold Pinter's comic critique of the heartless incompetence of bureaucracy. Tabula Rasa Theatre have The Importance of Being Turbann'd (C Venues). A farce based around a wealthy Indian ex-pat family in modern England that mocks manners, religious, racial and social prejudices. Ian Watt has John Laurie, Frazer & I (Hill Street Theatre) about the Dad's Army star. Biographies of such people are often very revealing. Bob Kingdom's Laurel and Laurel (Assembly Rooms). A oneman show about the on-screen and off-screen Stan and his partner Ollie. Patricia Hartshorne is doing Me and Marlene (Cafe Royal), a look at the colourful life of Marlene Dietrich.Ask me to name an Australian playwright and I could only come up with Van Badham. Her Petrograd (Pleasance Court-yard) has its world premiere here. A comedy, tragedy, and love story about the collapse of the Soviet Union. The ever popular Shakespeare for Breakfast (C Venues) is back for its 14th year. Talking of Shakespeare, there are at least 8 plays in the programme that include the word Macbeth in the title. How much any of them have in common with the bard's work is anybody's guess. One that might be good is Frantic Redhead's Macbeth (Greyfriers Kirk Yard). Expect to walk around the Old Town as the story is told. Another American company are the Red Chair Players. They have Sleepwalk (C Venues). The suicide of a rock star leads to a teen fan longing for release. Double Fringe First winners Rejects Revenge are back with The Steppe Brothers (Southside) written by Tim Hibberd. A three hander physical comedy. It's 1194 and the brothers are a medieval muscovite variety act. on the road to Jerusalem. This sounds exactly the sort of thing the Rejects are brilliant at. Squidge Productions are doing Use Once and Destroy (Smirnoff Underbelly), a new play by Katie Douglas. That's enough to get me to see it. I also want to see New Strung Theatre Company in The Wrong Man (Pleasance Dome). Danny Morrison's first play about the spiralling life of a suspected informer. Sometimes a plot sounds so bizarre that you want to see something. So it is with We Love You Arthur (Assembly Rooms). Before George Michael was gay and Madonna British two teenagers fall for Arthur Scargill. Musicals and Opera are not normally my main interest but a couple of things have caught my eye. Daniel X Opera have Manifest Destiny (Assembly@St George's West). Love and death in the war on terror. I'm also intrigued by the Evil Twins with Lee Harvey Oswald - The Musical (C electric).Turning to dance there is a lot that looks interesting. As ever Shakti is back at The Garage. She has two shows Anne of Green Gables has developed over an extended period mainly because it took her two years to get through the first 10 pages of the book but she got there. Beauty and the Beast is described as a fairy tale for the 21st Century. Aurora Nova @ St Stephens usually get a great programme of dance performed by companies I've rarely heard of. This makes it somewhat difficult to pick and choose. Rainpan 43 have All Wear Bowlers. Samuel Beckett, Rene Magritte, and Laurel & Hardy collide. The Norwegian Jo Stromgren Kompani have two shows The Department is set in a secret office of an imaginary government. The Hospital is set in a remote hospital with no patients. Do Theatre are back with Sleep...Less...Ness. A sensual atmospheric exploration of sleep. The marvellous Scottish Dance Theatre have Luxuria (Southside). An earthy, sensual piece tinged with sadness and an unashamed sense of the romantic. Note this is a change of venue. On a warm dry summer night anything in the Old College Quad is usually spectacular. Walk the Plank are doing SWALK - Sealed with a Loving Kiss. An intimate love story blown up to cinematic proportions with theatre, film, music, and pyrotechnics. I'll leave most of the comedy coverage to Martin Walker but I'll mention a few shows. Two years ago I enjoyed I didn't vote for George W. Well Brian Longwell is back with Why Work? (Smirnoff Baby Belly) A satire on workplace culture. What looks like a similar show is Andrew J Lederer with Me and Hitler (Smirnoff Baby Belly). The Fuhrer and the quasi-fascism of Bush's USA. Another Fringe institution is back with Peter Buckley Hill and Some Comedians Free (Canon's Gait). See some of those trying to make there way in comedy and it won't cost you a penny. Martin Powell E-mail: martinp@drink.demon.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interviews with the stars ========================= Sue Perkins Martin Walker was thrilled to bits in tracking down one of his favourite comedians - Sue Perkins. Scots- Gay's not sure that meeting Brad Pitt would have got him this excited. Actually, no - that's just silly … Quote "I love Edinburgh, love the taste of deep fried pizza as it sprays out of your mouth some three hours after you ate it." Wow Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2006? Sounds very prestigious. Indeed. Forget Oscars, Golden Globes, the Nobel prize…. For those of us with astigmatism - this is the big one. What more can I say? My bid starts here. What should the audience expect from the show? What is the show about? Expect nudity, expressive dance, an unexpected swear word, four camembert donkeys, a pile of wry, seven larger-than-you-would-expect dwarves and some comedic exaggeration. Tell us more about the prototype of the Pentagon's Gay Bomb Yes, they really did research this thing! According to the Spectator, in 1991 the Pentagon started developing a chemical weapon that would arouse homosexual feelings amongst soldiers in the blast zone. Why bother? Surely, a large proportion of the armed forces are already gay - in which case, would the bomb reverse the polarity and turn them straight? Would they emerge from the blast zone singing U2 songs and reeking of cheap aftershave…? What's best - TV, Radio or on stage live? They're all good. TV, because it pays best. Radio, because it's a rare joy to feel part of such an illustrious tradition, and live - because you get to actually smell your audience. So how do you like Edinburgh? Fan of the city? Been out clubbing? Love Edinburgh, love the taste of deep fried pizza as it sprays out of your mouth some three hours after you ate it. Love the grandeur and the austerity and the people. It really is a very special place, As for clubbing, I'm so old my hips are starting to calcify - so no. What other comedians do you like? I guess my current favorite comics are Bill Hicks, Ross Noble, Dylan Moran, Bill Bailey and Eric Morecambe. Any Fringe shows you'll go out and see? Absolutely. I love going to those public school performances of things like Chekhov's Three Sisters - seeing 16-year-old schoolboys pretending they're depressed, starving Russian women in a Moscow bread queue. Marvellous viewing! Finally (I always ask!) are you single?? Nope, and thank goodness. I hate being single - it's then the dark voices start up in my head….. Sue Perkins Pleasance Courtyard 20.35 from 3rd Aug -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Caesar Twins and Friends ============================ The Caesar Twins, Pablo and Pierre, were stars of last year's brilliant sell out show, 'La Clique' This year they also have a show of their own. Martin Walker spoke to them through an interpreter… and a typewriter… Quote "Gay people in our homeland of Poland still encounter a lot of problems. We are working on helping to change that." What should the audience expect from the show? What is the show about? The show is about us! Twins, brothers who have spent our whole lives together. We tell our story in artistic pictures or tableau. Body sculptures. We feel we are very lucky that God has granted us beautiful bodies and we do not feel the need to hide them. We perform acrobatics in the air, on the ground and even in water. We had an 176 gallon glass bowl especially developed and constructed for us to do one of our acts in. How did you first discover that you both had these gifts and that you could work so well with each other? We started sport acrobatics when we were just kids. We were pretty wild and overly energetic so our parents sent us to training in order to calm us down (probably to tire us out!) Even today we are pretty hyperactive. The working together just happened automatically, without us ever really thinking about it. It's probably something only twins can understand. Sometimes it's just easier to do things together. We're like an old married couple, together for 24 years. Our closest relationship is with each other and it always will be. How long have you been working with each other professionally? We started training when we were 5 years old. We were Youth World Champions in Acrobatic Sports at the age of 17. When we were 18 we joined a modern circus in Germany. You have a huge following amongst gay men. Rumour has it that one of you may be gay, or is this just wishful thinking on our part? We have a big gay following. That happened quite naturally because of what we do and was also because we have a photographic portrait book called "One in Two" that was brought out by a gay publisher. In fact there is an exhibition with some massive prints of our portraits happening in Edinburgh in August, at the Spiegel Garden. We have a lot of gay friends and know that gay people in our homeland of Poland still encounter a lot of problems. We are working on helping to change that. We both have girlfriends at the moment but hope that doesn't disappoint you too much. What you do looks very dangerous. Have either of you ever been seriously hurt? It is very dangerous and I, Pablo, had a major accident about 3 years ago. I fell, blindfolded, from the Wheel of Death and the doctors said I would never regain my balance and be able to ever walk properly again, let alone perform. But together, my brother Pierre and I worked incredibly hard to prove them wrong and make it possible. And that was the start of our solo career. If you could perform in any city in any country in the world, where would you be? We'd love to perform in London, New York, Las Vegas and also Dubai. We hope very much to make these dreams a reality and there are already talks happening about possibilities. It's very exciting! So how do you like Edinburgh? We love Edinburgh - we'd like to live here and we really like rain! (That's no joke.) Maybe Edinburgh is different when the festival is not on, but for us it's just great -really exciting and relaxed, and certainly a lot of fun. But our warehouse in Berlin is where we currently call home. Caesar Twins and Friends Assembly Rooms, George St. 18.00 from 5th Aug Caesar Twins photographic exhibition, The Spiegel Garden From 5th Aug (FREE) La Clique… Un Spectacle Sensuel The Spiegel Garden, 23:30 from 8th Aug ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Christie & Doyle's Axis of Evil =============================== Bridget Christie and Andrew Doyle are a newly formed double act in a brand new show. Martin Walker caught up with the lovely Andrew in Glasgow. And what a charmer! Quote "I remember once being heckled by a garrulous group of drunken men on a stag night, and I flirted outrageously with the groom. He loved it, the dirty wee slag." Axis of Evil? So it's a comedy? Why, yes. It's a series of sketches connected loosely by the theme of evil. Bridget and I considered taking a stand-up show to Edinburgh this year, where we'd both have a half-hour slot, but we thought it'd be more interesting to try something new. Also, Bridget doesn't think I'm very funny, so at least this way I don't end up on stage by myself for too long. What should the audience expect from the show? We were keen to represent as many vile characters as possible within the hour, and explore a variety of perceptions of what evil actually means. When the Bush administration uses the phrase "axis of evil" there's a real subjectivity to that, and of course a moral judgment. We both liked the idea of looking at how notions of evil vary wildly depending on whom you ask. And we ask the audience to explore their own darker sides. Should be a great laugh. How long have you and Bridget known each other? How did you meet and have you worked together before? I'd written a play called "Cockfight" in 2002 and we opened at the Canal Cafe Theatre. This is when we first met and performed together. Bridget played my sister, Cassandra; a hideous, sadistic, bigoted harpy in a polyester frock. Typecasting, really. Since then, we've only worked together once, on a night of standup with Stefano Paolini. We each did a half-hour set, and it was a fantastic gig. One of the audience members actually vomited with excitement. Or possibly botulism. You're known predominantly as a writer. You've written for the topical sketch show NewsRevue and you've come up with such diverse works as the hugely successful comedy farce, "Shamlet" and now a serious play produced by 7:84 set in the North of Ireland, "Borderland". Tell us about this new project. The play is set against the backdrop of the peace process, and specifically the recent accusations of criminality within the IRA, and the possible implications for those involved. Given Glasgow's own history of sectarianism, it seemed feasible to me that 7:84 might be interested in the play. And they've been fantastic when it comes to script development. Lorenzo Mele (7:84's Artistic Director) wanted to make sure that the company were clear about the issues underlying the script, so he invited speakers over to Glasgow for a day's discussion. We had the Irish journalist, Nell McCafferty, and my uncle Eamon, who was a prominent civil rights activist at the time when the troubles began. I think it's fantastic that 7:84 have gone to such lengths to ensure that their motivations behind the production are wellinformed. I've seen a number of their plays, and they've been invariably excellent. In political terms, I instinctively support their overt Socialist stance. Theatrically, they've always successfully explored a range of important political issues whilst retaining a clear accessibility. That's no mean feat. "Borderland" is touring Scotland from 22nd Sep to 5th Nov, opening at Paisley Arts Centre and ending up at Dundee Rep. You came, saw and conquered when you did your solo stand up gigs at the Stand Comedy Club. Any more gigs on the way? I was really grateful to get the opportunity to perform at The Stand. It's such a great comedy venue, for so many reasons. Bridget's an amazing stand-up. She just blows me away. She's a regular on the London comedy circuit, and was nominated by Comedy Camp for the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Award 2005. We'll both be trying to perform our stand-up sets as often as possible during the fringe festival, so we'll see how that goes. I get a kind of unhealthy pleasure out of how vulnerable stand-up makes you as a performer. I remember once being heckled by a garrulous group of drunken men on a stag night, and I flirted outrageously with the groom. He loved it, the dirty wee slag. Any other shows on the Fringe you want to go and see? Yeah, loads. I intend to make myself bankrupt. There's so many terrific acts. Topping and Butch, Colin & Fergus, Omid Djalili, Daniel Kitson, Lucy Porter, Stewart Lee, Anna Crilly and Katy Wix in "Penny Spubb's Party". The list is quite literally endless, and I can't be bothered to say any more. So how do you like Edinburgh? Been out on the gay scene? CC Blooms is the obvious port of call. I've got a perverse affection for the place, right down to the predatory glances and the sticky dance floor. I've seen most of the gay acts from the Fringe loitering around the bar at some time or another. Planet Out's another safe bet. You'll probably find me moping around there most nights, Pimms in hand. As for Edinburgh, it's just about my favourite place in the world after IKEA. Finally (I always ask!) are you single?? I haven't been single since the age of eighteen. This either means that I'm irresistible in every respect, or that I'm a desperate creature who'll commit to absolutely anyone who shows me the least bit of affection. Perhaps it's best not to speculate. Christie & Doyle's Axis of Evil Underbelly, 17.50 from 4th Aug -------------------------------------------------------------------- Craig Hill's Got the Ballroom ============================= Craig Hill is our very own bentest campest favorite gay comedian - ever! If you have been under a rock and have never seen him live - now's your chance. Martin Walker tracks the young kilted one down for a word or two… Quote "You're probably the first journalist I've told this to, but yes, I'm coming back with a new TV show in the autumn - I'm so excited!" How many Edinburgh Fringe shows is this now? This is my 7th year would you believe? I almost called it 'The Seven Year Itch!' What should the audience expect from the show? What is the show about? My shows are always about me and the audience and I love improvising. I just want us all to have fun. I fill them full of everything that makes me laugh-and that's usually the best thing to go on. That said, I'm considering having some fun with mobile phones! So make sure you bring your favourite ringtones! … and now you've got the Ballroom! I've always felt I needed that wee bit more space to breath. And now I can swing to heart's content. It's really quite liberating! How do audiences react to all the camp? Any particularly good or bad experiences? I once unknowingly, outed a guy who came to the show with his Mum and Dad. I really didn't think that someone who was in the closet, and who knew me socially, would come with his Mum and Dad. Of course I'm going to say "Hello!" In the end they were really proud, and wondered if we could get together! Awww… You're well known for your quick wit and ad-lib put downs. Have you ever gone too far? I once jokingly accused this woman of looking like a man in drag only to find out it was! What was worse was, I then apologised after the show telling him that it's actually a compliment, because I actually thought he was a woman. And as I said it, it suddenly dawned on me it was actually a woman all along!!! I'll never live that down. We all loved your stint on the Live Floor Show. Are we going to see more of you on the telly? You're probably the first journalist I've told this to, but yes, I'm coming back with a new TV show in the autumn- I'm so excited! So how do you like Edinburgh? Been out on the gay scene? Fan of the city? Would you live anywhere else? I love Edinburgh. I think the only other place I'd live would be Sydney. I actually really like the gay community in Edinburgh rather than the gay scene. I've just met so many people I like here. Finally (I always ask!) are you single?? Nay, nay and thrice nay! I've been with this lovely guy for 7 years that's the same amount of time I've been doing comedy-maybe I only started laughing when I met him?- he'll kill me for saying that! Craig Hill's Got the Ballroom! Assembly Rooms 19.30 from 5th Aug --------------------------------------------------------------------- Book Festival ============= This Edinburgh International Books Festival runs from 13th to 29th Aug in Charlotte Square Gardens. TONY CHALLIS, reviewer for the Lesbian and Gay Humanist, looks for something to interest the ScotsGay reader … The Festival starts at 10.15 with CAROL ANN DUFFY, famed for her feisty and highly original poetry, and much talked of as a potential poet laureate a few years back. She uses language to bring vivid, hidden feelings out onto the page. The entry price even includes free coffee and pastries. That Sat night at 16.30, MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM will be speaking. You may remember "The House at the end of the World" and "The Hours," both involving the difficulty of knowing and being our real selves, both filmed - and he will be talking about his new novel, "Specimen Days." Nae pastries! SANDI TOKSVIG is well known through radio and television. She is a very clever, sharp-witted and hilarious performer. She will be talking about her satirical writing - and this one is sure to sell out. So, book early. Thu 18th Aug at 20.00. SIMON FANSHAWE has an increasing reputation as a gay comedian and commentator. He has written a guide to modern manners. What is the etiquette of E-mail? Be wittily enlightened on Fri 19th Aug at 10.00. Frid 26th Aug is a big day for hearing gay/lesbian writers. At 11.30 is EDMUND WHITE, whose many books some of us have been following for decades. From "Nocturnes for the King of Naples," through "A Boy's Own Story" to ,"The Married Man," we will have learned much about Ed's life and his view of the world. He has now published a memoir, and an hour in the company of this warm, sympathetic and significant gay writer is highly recommended. VAL McDERMID appears at 18.30. This prominent writer of dark, developed and intelligent thrillers will again be entertaining her Edinburgh audience. Having grown up in Kirkcaldy and then gone to Oxford, Val brings an acute and incisive political awareness to what she says and writes. Her bestselling, "The Wire in the Blood," was televised, and she has recently published, "The Torment of Others." A writer of wit and psychological insight, she should not be missed. At 20.00 there is DAVID STARKEY, an effusive and stimulating lecturer. If you like your history royal and have a passion for Kings and especially for Queens, then David is the man for you. You may have seen him on television, now do so in the flesh. This is just a tiny selection, obviously - there are more than 500 authors taking part in 650 events. See the full programme to select your favourites. (Thought: are LGBTs seriously underrepresented in the world of books? Or are most of our writers still in the closet? Or are most LGBT writers pretty superficial? Or what?) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABERDEEN ======== Hi there, here is this month's round up of what's happening North of anywhere. The first few events of the new LGBT sports club went very well. A visit to the Stonehaven open-air pool at the start of July for a midnight swim was enjoyed so much by those that went that the event was repeated the following week. Several of us also went on a guided walk at Bennachie a few Sundays ago with Ranger Fiona Banks. Her informative and amusing commentary during the day and the glorious weather made it a day to remember. The day was rounded up with a refreshing drink at Monymusk on the way home. We would like to thank all those that turned up and to Fiona and the Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service for their support of the event. The next event will be on Sun 14th Aug with a walk at Clachnaben. Again, we are hoping to get a ranger guided walk and with fingers crossed for good weather it promises to be a good day out. Meet at the Phace office at 10.15am and bring food, water, suitable clothing and footwear for a day out on the hills. Future events will include swimming and cycling but if you have any suggestions for events please let us know. With the aim initially on attracting interest to social activities e.g walking, swimming and cycling the long term goal of the sports club is to build up numbers and provide support to LGBT people who actively wish to participate in sport. If you wish to get involved in sport or perhaps you are already a member of a sports club then please get in touch. The next meeting of the group will be at the Phace Offices on Waverley Place on Thu 18th Aug at 8pm. Contact Mark Thomson on 0845 241 2151 or E-mail: markt@phacescotland.org A new women's drumming group called FitaDin has been started by Granite Sisters for all lesbians or gay women who want to be part of it. The group is limited in numbers because of the venue so interested women should not delay in registering themselves. It will meet on a Sun evening from 7pm to 8.30pm in Aberdeen at a cost of £2 per session. Coffee and tea will be provided during the short break and drums / sticks are available for those who do not have their own. They have a qualified tutor who will be teaching and an ambulance with ear plugs standing by at the door! All standards from total novice to drummer will be welcome. Contact Granite Sisters on Aberdeen (01224) 713336 or check out their website at http://www.13.clara.co.uk Aberdeen Women's Centre (AWC) is holding an extraordinary general meeting on Thu 11th Aug starting at 4.30pm. The main item on the agenda is to discuss an exit strategy i.e. the closure of the Women's Centre. This looks like the end of the Women's Centre in Aberdeen unless a room can be found somewhere and carry it on until better times. The lesbian community should try to attend this meeting to ensure that silence is not assumed to mean assent. The meeting will be held in the premises the AWC rents from the council at 5 Shoe Lane, Aberdeen (at the back of the Lemon Tree). Remember AWC is not the building, it is an independent voluntary organisation and registered charity with a voluntary management committee who decide what happens to the money, bank accounts and a lot of equipment, on your behalf. They need your support and opinions as to what they should do next - say nothing - do nothing - have nothing. But, just never complain again that women are not taken seriously in Aberdeen. Last month I talked about a survey that Grampian Police is conducting into LGBT experiences of the police in the area. The closing date for completing this survey has been extended until Sun 14th Aug. Its purpose is three fold. First, to establish the community's perception of Grampian Police in terms of service provision. Secondly, to identify how they can build on their current links with the community and develop those to improve effective two-way communication. Finally to help them to keep you up to date on the current work Grampian Police is undertaking and the services they provide, that are of specific importance to the LGBT community. Grampian Police have already introduced procedures to make it easier for LGBT people to deal with the police: Remote Reporting allows LGBT people to report a crime, anonymously if preferred, through the Phace offices. This is then directed to the police for information and how the case progresses depends entirely on the wishes of the complainer, who may wish to remain anonymous and have no direct contact with a Police Officer. It is vitally important that people report crime to the Police. Without that report, they have no idea of what is actually happening in their area and therefore cannot direct resources in order to prevent it. Grampian Police is made up of five areas and each of these areas has identified LGBT Liaison Officers. Their role is to liaise with the LGBT community to assist in policing issues that may affect the community. That includes advising on procedure for dealing with homophobic incidents to Police Officers and ensuring the victims, complainers and witnesses are properly supported. The LGBT Police Forum was established some years ago and comprises representatives of all sections of the LGBT community in Grampian Police area. The purpose of the group is to improve understanding and communication between the Police and the community and to develop pro-active initiatives, aimed at tackling homophobic and transphobic crime and LGBT issues in general. The Force have Domestic Abuse Liaison Officers (DALOs) in each Divisional area and they perform a similar role to the LGBT Liaison Officer. Grampian Police recognises that victims of domestic abuse can be male or female in a heterosexual, gay or lesbian relationship. The DALO's main role is supporting victims and in this they work closely with other support agencies dealing with domestic abuse. Although there is no shelter available for male victims of domestic abuse in this area, Phace Scotland provide a counselling service for the victims of domestic abuse and for the male survivors of sexual assault. Grampian Police refer victims to Phace for these services. For further information or a copy of the survey contact Joan Morrison at Grampian Police Community Partnership Department on Aberdeen (01224) 709976 or the Phace offices at Waverley Place. Bar Indigo on the Adelphi is open 7 nights a week and has introduced a Pink Pounder promotion. Every evening between 9pm and 11pm all drinks (excluding wine and champagne) are £1 each so get down there and enjoy this fantastic offer. Tivoli E-mail: Tivoli_abdn@yahoo.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------------- SCOTSGAY VOICE FOR PERSONALS ============================ (We regret that this service is only available within the UK) To reply to ScotsGay Voice Ads, phone 09068 556613 (calls charged at 60p per minute) and use the number at the end of the ad. You can leave your own ad FREE on FREEphone 0800 138 4121. It's completely FREE to place your ad by phone on 0800 138 4 1-2-1 We'll not only print your ad in our next few issues, but it will also be available for telephone callers to our browse hotline on 09068 556613 Advertisers get their own private voice mailbox and can pick up replies on 09068 556613 Why not suck it and see? Conditions of service: All participants must be 18 or over. Ads will run for up to 3 issues. It will not be possible to reply to advertisers who have not collected replies for more than 28 days. service supplied by Tele-Dater, PO Box 425, PE25 2RQ. E-mail: admin@bizorg.co.uk. Helpline (10am - 6pm weekdays) 0870 121 1210 (not a premium rate number). To reply to ScotsGay Voice Ads, phone 09068 556613 (calls charged at 60p per minute) and use the number at the end of the ad. You can leave your own ad FREE on FREEphone 0800 138 4121. *MEN INTRODUCTION Mid-fifties first-timer "would like to be introduced...". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6247. ABERDEEN FLAT Kevin is 38 years old, lives in Aberdeen and would like a nice, trustworthy and honest guy to come along to his flat for some fun. He likes history, music and good entertainment. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6254. BOOTS WITHOUT STRINGS Paul, 43 years, is into leather, bikers, hairy chests, shaved heads, boots and gloves. Looking for leather top: "if you are interested, give me a ring. No strings". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6255. PROFESSIONAL Kenny is a 49 years old professional guy who is straight-acting with a good sense of humour. He is into reading, sports and watching TV and is looking for someone aged 25+ for a 1-2-1 or fun and friendship. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6256. RUBBERIST Male Rubberist would like to hear from others who are into rubber and latex. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6257. EDUCATED IN GLASGOW Educated sociable male, 36 years, lives in Glasgow, not bad-looking, enjoys photography, cooking, cinema, theatre and keeping fit seeks kind, affectionate, slim gay guy 25-45 years for fun and friendship. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6259. TWO MASTERS Edinburgh-based 2 Masters, 60 and 49 years want bad boys to report for punishment. All levels of CP catered for. No under 25's, no overweights will be dealt with. Discretion assured and expected. Genuine replies only. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6260. STRICT GENTLEMAN Glasgow guy "looking for very strict gentleman". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6265. WEST END MAN Good-natured gay guy, 49 years from the West End of Glasgow with a good sense of humour, 5'8" tall, 40" chest, 42" waist, dark hair, brown eyes, clean shaven, quite good looking who is into cycling and music, enjoys nights in and out is looking for someone similar for friendship possibly leading to a longterm relationship. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6275. LOVING ANDREW Andrew is 6'2" tall, 52 years old, hirsute and slim. He lives in Morayshire and has his own house and car. He is a Vegetarian and enjoys healthy cooking, the usual arts and cultural interests, cycling and slimming and is looking for someone 18- 40 years, maybe taller or chubbier. He describes himself as fairly kind and gentle and would look for the same characteristics in other people. He'd like friendship or a loving relationship with someone else. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6204. EASY GOING IN ABERDEEN Gay, 6' tall, 40 year old, slim built, easy going male from Aberdeen seeks male 25-35 years for friendship and possibly more. Genuine replies only. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6206. GLASGOW LUNCH Ian is a young, clean shaven 40 year old, 5'7" tall, very clean and discreet, lives in the Glasgow city centre area and is looking for lunchtime fun Noon-2pm. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6211. NOVICE CROSS-DRESSER Brian is a very inexperienced crossdresser who lives in Glasgow. "I am very new to this and would love someone to teach me how to dress and finish things. I am looking for a bi guy or TV or even a woman who would be interested in helping me. I am young 40's, very clean and discreet and 100% genuine". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6212. IN MY STUDY NOW! Ian is very submissive 50 year old guy who is looking for a mature gentleman 50+, headmaster-type, who he can visit in his study for strict correction. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6214. GLASGOW FUN 27 year old Glasgow cross-dresser is looking for "any other guys out there who want to share some fun with me. Get back". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6217. EXPLORE BONDAGE 43 male from Tayside area is looking for somebody with whom he can explore bondage and restraint games. "I am looking for safe, discreet fun". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6219. W/S BO Into water sports and body odours. "Get back to me, no strings". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6221. BEAR AND CUB Edinburgh bear and cub, 40 & 50 years old - active and passive, looking for guys for daytime or evening fun. Looking for 40-50 year old guys "who know what they want". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6224. ADDITIONAL MEMBER 46 year old guy, very versatile 5'9" tall, slim build, non scene is looking to meet up with two or more guys for fun times. Can travel to Glasgow or the West of Scotland. "Let me be your additional member". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6229. FLEECY TOPS 30 year old, 5'7" tall with a 28" waist, 38" chest is looking for fleecy tops. "Into anything goes - available in Glasgow or Edinburgh". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6233. LEATHER, GLOVES AND BEARS Aberdeen area guy with goatee is looking for guys 40+ with facial hair, size immaterial. He likes leather, gloves and bears and is willing to try new things. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6234. ACTIVE IN PERTH Mid-60s active gay man near Perth. Straight acting, slim and reasonably good looking. Interests are reading, the theatre, music, arts in general and cooking for entertaining friends. "I am looking for a gay man for friendship and fun - must be genuine". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6241. SLAVEDOM 46 years old slim, 5'9" tall, non scene, recently divorced guy say he would "enjoy being given some discipline and taught the joys of slavedom. Sorry, but I cannot travel but I'm willing to travel in the Central Belt / South Scotland area in search of a master". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6242. SPIRITUAL MARK 30 years old Mark has just moved back to Scotland from London and is living at his Glasgow home with his mum and dad. "I'm 5'10" with cropped hair, green eyes, chubby in build and describe myself as constant, down to earth, sensual and spiritually aware. All shapes and sizes and awareness or knowledge of spiritualism is a bonus". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6245. SHY DAVID David from Edinburgh is 41 years old, 5'7" tall with average looks. He describes himself as being quite shy, buy says he knows how to relax and let his hair down. He is looking for friendships maybe leading to a 1-2-1. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6172. DUNDEE FIFTYSOMETHING Late 50's gay man living in Dundee. Straight acting and looking with usual interests - walking, travel, music and reading - is looking for a gay man with similar interests for fun and friendship. "If you're interested, please leave a message and I'll get back to you". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6174. ANYTHING GOES IN FALKIRK Two guys, 35 and 48 years, are looking for two or more guys for group fun. They live near Falkirk and can accommodate. Anything goes! Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6177. GOATEE Martin from Lanarkshire has blue eyes, a stocky build and a goatee beard. He is a non-smoker who likes sport and is looking some someone similar for friendship hopefully leading to a 1-2-1 relationship. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6179. HIS MASTER'S PLEASURE Edinburgh master seeks young submissive guy between approximately 18 and 30 years who must be prepared to accept bondage and punishment "and to be used for my pleasure". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6181. SPANKING FUN NEEDED Glasgow based, but can travel. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6182. SHOP WITH PAUL Paul is a genuine bisexual male TV of 52 years who seeks a bisexual male or female for shopping, nights out, fun and friendship and maybe more. "If you are interested, give me a call". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6189. BEND ME, TAKE ME White, smooth, stocky 56 year old slave from Edinburgh with his own place would like to meet a stocky, hairy, strict disciplinarian master "to make me bend to his commands". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6197. FIT 38 years, 6'1" tall, 13st 6lbs, 42" chest, 34" waist with a fit medium build guy is looking for active guys 40+. Lives in Glasgow/Lanarkshire area. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6199. INSURANCE SALESMAN SOUGHT Tom is looking for a slim, active stocky guy "with an exceptional endowment". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6200. PASSIVE ANDY Andy 53 years from the Borders can accommodate. He is 5'10" tall with a stocky/medium build and a shaved head, goatee beard and blue eyes. He is 100% passive and is looking to meet a guy who is stocky or muscularly built, 30-50 years. Can travel within a reasonable area. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6201. WALKING AND SWIMMING Stockily-built 52 years old male with brown hair and eyes would like to meet a dominant partner of a similar age. He likes walking and swimming. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6202. CHASTISEMENT 61 year old Edinburgh disciplinarian: "Call me now for suitable chastisement". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6124. ARMY Robert from Dundee is an ex-army gay guy with a smart appearance. He would like to meet gay/bi guys for fun and roleplay scenarios. "Suited and uniformed guys most welcome". He can accommodate anytime. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6136. LEATHERMEN Paul from Edinburgh is 43 years old and into Leathermen, Bikers, Skins and most things and is looking for uncomplicated fun. "Discretion assured, I can accommodate if need be". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6160. DUNDEE SUB Passive submissive guy with his own place near Dundee is looking to meet dominant Tops up to 45 years of age. He is also into cross-dressing, bondage, CP and poppers. "Genuine guys only please. All calls will be returned". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6162. LEATHER GLOVES 33 year old Stirling guy is looking for a more mature guy with a moustache and leather (especially gloves). Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6163. HEADMASTER Retired 58 year old headmaster is an experienced disciplinarian who is available both daytime and evenings and can travel within the Central belt. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6164. MAUL PAUL Paul likes leather, gloves and boots and a bit of bondage. Can accommodate. Discretion assured. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6089. SLIM SLAVE Slim 43 years old slave looking for dominant guys 50+. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6093. AYRSHIRE AESTHETE Luke is 35 years old, 5'7" tall, smooth guy with shoulder length hair, greeny-blue eyes who was from Ireland originally. He is new to Scotland and lives in Ayrshire. He describes himself as quite a nocturnal person who is artistic, loves fashion, photography, painting, travelling and the beach. He is looking to meet similar guys for fun, friendship and possibly a relationship. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6108. TAKE ME AND USE ME Edinburgh, Bi guy, 50 years old is looking for an older gentleman, preferably in his 60's, who will "take me and use me. If you are into spanking - so much the better. Get in touch". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6079. SHAVED WANTS HAIRY Edinburgh smooth, shaved, big-busted mid-50's guy with his own place, very discreet, is looking for a hairy Pakistani or Arab guy. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6051. SLAVE SEEKS MASTER Slave from Glasgow looking for a master. "I will do anything my master wishes". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6069. TV TIMES Male, mid-forties, quite fit and fully employed is looking for a feminine TV who likes to dress up. "I am not a timewaster, so please get in contact with me". Edinburgh area. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6010. FORCEFUL Ex-Forces Richard from Dundee is 45 years old and is looking for someone likeminded who is into O and A, bondage and restraint. Can accommodate. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6012. GOLDEN TIMES Well-endowed, versatile, smooth Edinburgh guy, 40 years, smooth with a 33" waist into water-sports, poppers and spit, seeks no-strings fun. All calls answered. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6015. UNINHIBITED Steve, 45 years, healthy and fit with his own flat in Edinburgh is into uninhibited no-strings fun. No waistlines over 34" please. "Interested? Give me a call". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5994. BEND OVER Edinburgh Headmaster 61 years has vacancies now for naughty "schoolboys". "Drop your trousers and bend over for a sound thrashing". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6006. FELLOW NOVICE WANTED Scott, 39 years old from the Fife area, 5'9" tall, 30" waist, likes films, eating out and the occasional drink. Looking for another novice 20-35 years, preferably slim and clean-shaven who is willing to experiment and go from there. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5970. ANYTHING GOES (YOU NAME IT) "I am a male in my early forties who is looking for a dominant master to be your slave. Anything goes: uniforms, dressing up, you name it. I come from the Fife/ Edinburgh area. If you are interested - give me a call". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5900. HORNY UNCLE Horny uncle type seeking nephew for hot, horny fun with no strings attached. He is 40 years old, 5'7" tall with a 30" waist and 40" chest. "No camps, effeminates or fatties". Can accommodate or travel in the Glasgow area. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5701. CUTE, CUDDLY AND QUIET Steve from Dundee is 32 years old, cute and cuddly. He likes watching TV, quiet nights in and nights out. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5730. FORCEFUL FALSE FLOOSIE FOR FORTIES FIFE FROLICS I am looking for a dominant TV. I am a mid-forties male who stays in Fife and works in Edinburgh. Looking for somebody who is into fun and entertainment. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5695. ANYTHING GOES IN ABERDEEN Aberdeen area 39 year old tolerant slave seeks master, 45+. Anything goes. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5431. EDINBURGH LOCK Male, early 40's, into domination, rubber, leather and restraints. Comes from Edinburgh but can travel. Please give him a call if you are similarly interested. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5452. FIFE FETISH FOR RUBBER AND RESTRAINT Fife Fetish couple looking for fetish males, females and couples. They are into leather, rubber, restraint and domination. They can accommodate and travel. Age not important. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5367. PETER FROM EDINBURGH Peter from Edinburgh is 48 years old, 5'8" tall and totally non-scene. He is very genuine, honest and caring. He likes theatre, cinema, walking, the gym and holidays. He is looking for a likeminded gay or bi-guy who enjoys life - 18-50 years old. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5380. LEARNING THE ROPES Slim, mature, 50's passive Tayside guy who likes bondage and restraint games would like to meet an active gay partner who is interested or experienced in trying out bondage ideas. Age and looks unimportant. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5318. SUBERDONIAN Aberdeen area slim 38 year old submissive guy seeking dominant guys 40+. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5321. BELTING MEMORIES "I am looking for a genuine retired or former teacher, living in Scotland, over the age of 50 to give me the belt as per my schooldays. I need my hands warmed again". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5252. PISSABLE MEETING IN ABERDEEN Aberdeen area. Slim, tanned, 38 year old Sub, into bondage and yellow, looking for other guys 40+. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5199. COLOURFUL ABERDONIAN Aberdeen area, submissive 42 year old, into yellow or brown, into dominant guys, any age. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5082. YELLOW SUB- 38 year old slim, submissive guy, into yellow, is looking for dominant guys any age. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5060. PROFESSIONAL AND NONSCENE 31 year old professional, non-scene gay guy, non-smoker, 5'8", 10.5 stone, 33" waist. Hobbies include cinema, theatre, reading, country walking and swimming. Looking to meet gay/bi guys up to 45 years old for a possible 1-2-1 with the right guy. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 4775. PETER FROM EDINBURGH Peter from Edinburgh is a 51 year old, clean-shaven guy with dark hair. He enjoys, music, cinema, theatre, country walking, swimming, briefs and Speedos and he is looking to meet people for fun. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 4710. -------------------------------------------------------------- BOXES - THE SCOTSGAY MEET MARKET ================================ To reply to a Contact Ad: By e-mail: We can now accept replies by e-mail for Box Numbers. They should be sent to boxreplies@drink.demon.co.uk and will be printed out and posted on by snail mail to the box number holders. There will be no charge for this service. As box number holders are unlikely to have access to e-mail, please include your name and address so that they can get back to you! And remember to include the box number that you're replying to clearly on each reply. By snail mail: Just pop your reply in an envelope with the box number written in the TOP RIGHT corner and place the envelope with your reply inside another envelope with two loose first class stamps. If you are writing from outside the UK, an International Reply Coupon (IRC) should be enclosed for each reply instead of postage stamps. International Reply Coupons are available from most Post Offices throughout the world. We are unable to send on replies without postage stamps or IRCs. Send all replies to: ScotsGay Magazine, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. To place a Contact Ad: Write to the above address enclosing your advertisement copy. Ads are FREE of charge to the advertiser. Or you can send them by e-mail to scotsgay@drink.demon.co.uk *LOOKING FOR STEPHEN SMITH Can Stephen Smith (or anybody who knows where to contact him) please get in touch. Stephen was involved with Pride Scotia in Glasgow last year. Box SG64125. NEW TOWN BAR I was at New Town Bar on Pride Day. We chatted. I gave you my number. I was from Carnoustie. You were from Helensburgh. Get in touch. Box SG64149. *WOMEN FIRST ADVERT FOR BI-CURIOUS LADY I'm bi-curious, are you? If female, 30-50, please contact me by letter. ALA. Photo appreciated. I have boyfriend who could join us at a later date if OK. With love. Box SG64126. *MEN KILT APPRECIATION SOCIETY Founded 1991. Kilt group for guys with fetish of what lies beneath. Bi-monthly magazine, socials, horny photos, contacts. Tel: Mervyn 01777 708270. EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FUN Uncomplicated no strings fun and friendship offered to young guy 16-22 by 46 year old guy. Come and go as you like. Box SG64102. EDINBURGH BOUND Fit, smooth boyish 50 year old is looking for some casual fun, possibly involving CP, bondage, but not essential. Video watching, uncomplicated play, that sort of thing. Your place, daytimes and evenings possible. Box SG64104. SEEKING BI/GAY GUYS Young, good-looking guy with slim, smooth body seeks masculine gay guys or bisexual/bicurious guys for fun and friendship. Hairy guys a plus. Can accommodate daytimes or travel. Genuine ad. Box SG64105. WANT TO START A GROUP Anyone like to start a group of bi and gay guys for group fun in Glasgow or surrounding area? Meet each others homes for good clean safe fun. Get in touch. Box SG64106. GENUINE GUY Genuine guy, 30, in Renfrewshire looking for guy 35+ in same area (or near) for fun, friendship, maybe more. I'm pretty inexperienced so you will need to be patient and caring as am I. Box SG64107. WELCOME COMPANY Welcome. Glad to see you. Come on in. Uncle looking for nephew, you have heard that before (no strings) but it's true. Student between 16 and 21. GSOH. Can accommodate. Box SG64108. EDINBURGH Friendly, slim, defined, versatile, 30's. Looking for singles, couples for horny fun and/or friendship. Box SG64109. BOYS Looking for a nice boy 16+ for some fun at my place, will cover costs. Box SG64110. FOOTSLAVES WANTED Mid 30's masculine assertive professional guy, love to have my feet and socks worshipped by sub guys. Edinburgh - can accom for sessions. Im 5'10", medium-heavy build with size 12 feet! Your age/looks not important - your attitude is. Apply with respect. Box SG64111. BIG BELLIED GUY 37 year old big bellied guy with small endowment looking for guys 18-45 for LTR or one night stands. Any guys interested send me a message please. Box SG64112. UP, UP AND AWAY Frequent Ryanair/easyJet international traveller, 50, seeks younger (16-25) companions for short jaunts abroad or in UK. Don't do the gay scene generally. More into local food, drink and culture. Box SG64113. LEATHER DOM LOOKING FOR SUB Active mid 40's guy, top looking for in shape sub/slave guys for regular sessions of bondage and discipline. Must be aged 18-40, in reasonable shape, and be available at least couple of times a month for regular meets. I have flat (can accommodate) and bondage/CP gear. Respectful applications to me giving full details of experience and what's offered. Preference given to replies including pics, and via E-mail rather than having to wait ages on post. Box SG64114. FYLDE AGAIN 40 year old Blackpool gent who just loves lads with Scottish accents wants to chat/meet. Genuine guy, professional and loving. Get in touch for a chat maybe more. Box SG64115. HORNY ACTIVE WHEELCHAIR USER Hi. I'm 39, longish brown wavy hair, blue eyes and moustasche looking for wellhung top guys, 18-55, who live in the Aberdeenshire area. Box SG64116. HAIRY HIGHLANDERS WANTED 36 year old, average build, goatee - looking for horny, hairy men in the Caithness area. Prefer chunky guys, 30-50 years old. Box SG64117. PLEASE TAKE THIS BEAR HOME AND ENJOY IT! 48 year old Paddington is looking for cub (16- 26) to stroke. No strings. Can accommodate or travel. Box SG64118. HIGHLAND BI GUY I am a horny bi guy in Inverness looking for horny fun with sexy guys. I am 5'8", medium build, straight acting and looking and very discreet. Very open minded and easy going. Please get in touch. Box SG64120. BDSM ELECTROTORTURE Slim professional gent, young 47, athletic build and non smoker seeks male master to torture him electrically. New to BDSM but anything considered providing it is safe and pain within sane limits. Box SG64121. ARE YOU THE ONE FOR ME? 28 year old Borders guy looking for an older guy for fun, friendship and maybe more. Interests include, walking, reading and nights in/out. All replies will be answered. Box SG64122. MALE WANTED Male wanted for some daytime fun - must have accommodation. Box SG64123. GLASGOW Mature gay TV/CD WLTM mature males for mutual get togethers. Box SG64124. OLDER MEN WANTED By 62 year old male for hot times. I can accommodate. I am very randy. Can give massage. Like men 60-85. If interested please contact me. Genuine replies only. Box SG64129. CYCLIST SEEKS SIMILAR GUY Looking for Linda? Not quite. A slim cyclist is my goal. Contact me and we can have fun together. EDI/GLA. Box SG64131. POLICEMEN OR FIREMEN Wanted by mid 40's guy. I am slim 28" waist, 5'11", clean shaven, honest and very horny. If interested, drop me a note and we can get it together. Box SG64132. EDINBURGH SHY 35 YEAR OLD FOR YOUNG 35 year old looking for younger guys under 30 for fun and friendship in Edinburgh area. Str8 acting with good sense of fun and humour. Box SG64133. YOUR PARENTS WARNED YOU ABOUT ME! Are you 16-21? Then this 47 year old guy, old enough to be your father, would like to meet you. Box SG64134. HARNESSED BEEFCAKE Big sturdy obedient man/boy for house duties. Seeks master or dom. TV or femme type. Fat types also welcome. Central belt/anywhere. Box SG64135. ATTRACTIVE Slim young 60, 5'7", smart straight appearance, WLTM visit discreet active guy, for friendship and more. Good clean safe fun. Likes O and A, videos. Can travel weekends. Letters only, please. Box SG64136. GLASGOW PRISONER - SOON FOR RELEASE 22, 5'11", 32" waist, horny, WE, into O and A, WLTM smooth 16-25 boys for fun and friendship. Send letter and pix now. Box SG64137. AYRSHIRE LAD - 42 YEARS YOUNG I'm slim, 5'8", cropped hair, specs, average looks, WLTM similar Slim Jims 25-45 to meet up and have a good time. ALA. Box SG64138. DUNDEE - TAYSIDE Gay male seeks friends 16-60, any nationality. Can accommodate or travel. I'm 5'11", slim, honest and caring, like nights in and out, maybe 1-2-1 with right person. ALA. Photo if possible and phone number. Box SG64139. ARE YOU SLIM OR SKINNY? If so, Fife middle aged guy seeks versatile fun with you at his place or yours. No age limits. Hairy a bonus. Bi, married guys welcome - write soon. Box SG64140. SEEKS ACTIVE GUYS Guy, 54, seeks active guys for fun and friendship. Can accommodate and travel within reason. Genuine honest guys anywhere. Box SG64141. GLASGOW - CENTRAL BELT Guy, 30's, fit, slim, 5'11", short crop, GSOH, SA, SL, sorted, no baggage, passive, seeks active top man for fun and friendship. Can accommodate. Bi guys welcome. Box SG64142. ONE HALF SEEKS OTHER HALF 20-40 fun, easy going, deep thinking, non effeminate, well balanced, NSm, occasional drinker into creative and physical activities, romantic leanings. All letters appreciated especially with phone number and photo. Edinburgh. Box SG64143. FIT GLASGOW GUY FOR SIMILAR SUMMER FUN Mid 40's hairy non smoker WLTM other genuine sporty mates, late 20's+. Box SG64144. BORDERS Bottom guy, 53, in Borders, looking for hairy musclemen to play with aged 30-50. Can accommodate. Gay or bi, active guys and married men welcome. No fems. Box SG64145. DUNDEE - TAYSIDE Straight acting mature gay man, 50's, from Dundee, would like to meet other gay men living in the same area for walks, outings, nights out and general socialising. Box SG64146. UNIFORMED GUYS WANTED 36 year old Edinburgh guy, Rugby build, not bad looking, seeks uniformed guys for discreet fun. Box SG64147. OLDER TOP SEEKS YOUNG BOTTOM Do you fancy older guys? This one is 47, 5'7", ready to teach new nephew types 16- 26 who are hot and willing to learn. Shy boys and any race welcome. Box SG64150. CUMBERNAULD Tender loving caring guy (52) wishes fun with a guy of the same or any age in Cumbernauld area. No mobile phone numbers. Full name and postal address please. Box SG64151. IT ALL COMES DOWN TO FRICTION IN THE END Cynical 47 year old seeks equally cynical 16- 26 year old for fun and friendship. Strictly non scene. Box SG64153. *BISEXUAL BI CURIOUS? There has to be a first time for everything! Aged 16-21: get in touch? Considerate experienced versatile older guy will talk you through things at your own pace before getting down to some safe fun. Your limits respected. Total discretion assured. Live in Edinburgh but will travel if required. Box SG64101. BI FEMALE WANTED BY COUPLE Bi female wanted for 3somes by couple, she 42 very bi curious 5' tall, he 5'6" and 45 years old. We live in the St Andrews area and are very excited at the thought of Ria experiencing her first bi encounter. If you are up for it, then drop us a line including an E-mail address so we can contact you, a photo would be nice and we will send you one by return. We can accommodate to make things easier, at least we can all have a good drink! Come on girls: whether you are small or large, all are welcome. Box SG64119. EXHIBITIONISTS WANTED BY VOYEUR Females, males, singles, couples, groups wanted by friendly slim male (29). Let me watch you get it on. No physical involvement necessary unless wanted. Box SG64127. CALLING BI COUPLES GRAMPIAN AREA We M50's F40's seeks bi couples for friendship, fun chats, plus lots more. Please write if interested. No age limits. Your limits respected. ALA. PA. All our love and more. Box SG64128. BI GUY Fit and masculine, seeks bi couples for bi fun in the Edinburgh area. Box SG64130. *STRAIGHT EDINBURGH Friendly, fit, 50something silver bear, recently moved to Edinburgh, seeks morally relaxed women of all ages for fun and friendship. Box SG64103. RETIRED HIPPY 50, looking for some love and affection from women (and men) of all ages. Box SG64152. *COLD TURKEY DAD Handsome gay male, 40, would like to be a dad. Stay Glasgow, full involvement seeking educated nice female for sperm donor. Box SG64148. *FRIENDS ABROAD INTERGAY Penpal contacts with gay men all over the world. Over 120 subscribers in 30 countries. To join is free: send your ad. Only subscribers get the booklet with all data and addresses by enclosing £5. INTERGAY, Voorstraat 12-A, 4033 AD Lienden, Netherlands. BRAZIL GWM, masculine hairy top, foot and tickle fetishist, seeks 3040 non slim, caring, cuddlish, supportive, uneffeminate, bottom, blond (+), ticklish, lifetime partner to build serious relationship. Write: Marc, Box 3670, 20001- 970 Rio, Brazil. DISABLED IRISH MAN I am a 38 year old disabled Irish man who will be over for the Edinburgh Festival the week of Aug 18-26, I would love to meet a man in his late 50's or older for a social drink (to start with). My ideal man would be formally attired and know a lad needs loving discipline. My disability is cerebral palsy. I walk but speech can be hard. I can use stairs, just in case. If you were a retired officer so much the better. Email: sdaunt@iol.ie GERMAN LOOKING FOR SCOTS FRIEND I am Thomas, 46, 6ft tall, 13st weight, dark blond longish hair. Am looking for a Scotsman for mutual visits, fun and of course friendship. Am interested in British history, esoteric topics (Knights Templar, Freemasons, Wicca) like to read, languages, video, cinema, music (musicals, etc.) and of course sex (top). I like the Scottish accent and have always wanted to know what's hidden under the Scottish kilt. LOL. So hope that somebody out there is interested in contacting me. Write: Thomas Piotrowski, Klippe 49, 42555 Velbert, Germany. E-mail: Tirnanog42@gmx.de HUNGARY I'm an honest and reliable Hungarian lad and I look for a farmer or rider from Scotland. Write: Jozsef Fazekas, Gyor, Hungary, H-9012. Email: breeches36@yahoo.com *JOBS OFFERED £100 PER HOUR We are recruiting attractive guys to work as escorts in our highly respected escort agency. Earn up to £100 per hour for doing what you enjoy. You will be well looked after and supported in your work, and will be involved with a progressive, dynamic agency. Models also required. For more info call Ross on 08444 170134 or E-mail: ross@scotsguys.com [64a] ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES AVAILABLE In the comfort of your own home or clinics throughout Edinburgh. Therapies available: Reiki treatments/teaching, Indian Head Massage, Spiritual Readings and Hopi Ear Candles. Fully qualified and insured therapist. Please contact Alan on 07747 714005 for clinics and appointments. [99] ANIMAL LOVER Unique opportunity for horse and circus lover. Live in and learn to ride a High School Andalucian Horse. Possibility of waged UK tour summer 2005. Meals and accommodation provided with training. NE Scotland. Tel: Bobby on St Colms (01346) 583145. [64a] CASH FOR YOUR BODY Photogenic guys can earn £100 cash posing for Mike Arlen who has had 14 glossy magazines published called Mike Arlen's Guys. Send snapshots of your magnificent body to him: Mike Arlen, Wetherby Studios, 23 Wetherby Mansions, Earls Court Square, London. SW5 9BH or Phone: 020-7373 1107. E-mail: mikearlen@btopenworld.com [99] LOOKING FOR STAFF Seeking salespeople for Spanish property shows in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Inverness areas. Sundays only. Do you have transport, access to PC, someone to work with? Commission only. £700 a day expected with approximately 15 week delay of payments. Full training given to right person. Contact Sales Manager: 0141-229 1693. [64a] MODELS WANTED Previously published photographer needs good looking guys (18-25) who want to earn £20 per hour for publication work. For details please phone Stuart on 0141-636 6556 (No withheld numbers please) or E-mail: xpozure4u@shaws2000.fsnet.co.uk [99] *SERVICES CAFFMOS Contacts and friendships for men over sixty. The organisation for the more mature gentleman and his admirers. Write to: CAFFMOS, PO Box 2273, Hove. BN3 2GF. Or phone Hove (01273) 220995 for info. [99] CONTACT MAG Contact Mag for adults: over 900 photos. Approval copy from: Matchmaker (K38), Chorley, PR7 4BS. Or ring 01257 483335 (24 hours). [99] CP CONTACT PAPER CP contact paper for spanking, skins, discipline, etc. SAE to TD Monthly, PO Box 352, Manchester. M60 2PG. [99] FREE TV/TS NEWS A Tranny not for profit newsletter. Views, news, venues and free personal adverts. A5 sae: BM Box 2534, London. WC1N 3XX. [99] GOLDEN WHEEL Seeking discreet gay or bisexual new friends, male or female? Long standing service, all areas and worldwide. Send stamp for details to: (Sadie), The Golden Wheel, Liverpool. L15 3HT. [99] HOME IN SPAIN For letting or investment. Superb villas, bungalows or apartments with pool direct from builder from £65,000 (60 per cent mortgage available). Call Let's Live Abroad on 0845 2255777. WWW: http://www.letsliveabroad. com/ [99] LIMITED COMPANIES Only £90 for your own Limited Company. PLCs £100. Charitable and Unlimited Companies also available. Freephone 0800 526421 for our free 'Guide To Limited Companies'. E-mail: cosun@drink.demon.co.uk WWW: http://www.quick-companies.co.uk/ [99] PROOFREADING AND TUITION In English (including TEFL), French, Latin, Greek and Gaelic, Typing Services, Historical and Genealogical Research. Charles S Coventry, 23/9 Viewcraig Street, Edinburgh. EH8 9UJ. Tel: 0131-558 8785. E-mail: charlie_ cov@yahoo.co.uk [99] TD MONTHLY The UK's fastest-growing contact publication for gay men into spanking/CP and all related interests. Please send SAE for details. Write: TD Monthly, PO Box 310, Manchester. M15 6WT. WWW: http://geocities.com/tdmonthly/ homepage.html [99] TRANSLATION SERVICES Qualified translator based in Dundee offers translation services between the following languages: English, Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish and French. E-mail: trots2@drink.demon.co.uk or Write: Box SG64100. [99] WORLDWIDE PENFRIENDS Regular lists. Make friends, exchange holidays, improve your languages. For general and music lovers' lists send £3: "The Penpal List", c/o 221B Merton Rd, Southfields, London. SW18 5EE. [99] SCOTSGAY IN YOUR LETTTERBOX ScotsGay is distributed to discerniing venues throughout the British Isles. If you can't get your ScotsGay easily where you are, you can find us on line at WWW: http://www.scotsgay. co.uk/ or you can telephone 0906 11 000 256 and we'll send you (or the person of your choice) a copy of the magazine in the traditional plain brown envelope. Make sure you know where yours is coming from! Calls should cost no more than £2.00. *BACK RUBS DUNDEE For the best relaxing massage, full body plus head massage, in relaxing atmosphere. Cal me now. Remedial treatments and tuition in relaxing massage given. Tel: 07986 465474. [65a] EDINBURGH Chubby gay man offers erotic massage for men (£20) in Central Edinburgh. Call Kenny on 0131-661 1477 or 07880 658324. [99] EDINBURGH - IN CALLS! Carlos. 26 year old attractive escort in Central Edinburgh. Can accom or visit you. Fit, toned body. Versatile, sensual, tactile & fun. Quality escort for discerning gents. Call 07043 368250 for info. [64a] EDINBURGH EBONY ESCORT Attractive black male, athletic, intelligent, VWE, 26 years old. Put together the way a man should be. Covers Central Scotland. Call 07969 894038. [64a] MASSAGE FOR MEN - EDINBURGH Great relaxing, holistic, sensual, tantric, full body pampering in nurturing masculine environment. Soft candles, music, incense, warm towels, shower, cologne, refreshments. £20 session. Jim: Qualified, experienced, caring. 0131-557 4643. [66a] EDINBURGH ESCORT/MASSEUR Hot 22 year old boy. Young, fit, handsome and versatile. Private and friendly service in a safe and discreet flat. Professional escort for In/Out calls. Tel: 07043 368318. [64a] GLASGOW/EDINBURGH - BLACK ESCORT Professional full body massage £35 (in calls) £50 (outcalls) from a 30 year old black, gym toned, clean, VWE and athletic guy. Discretion assured. Escort services are extra. Call Oye on 07765 308757. [65a] HOT EDINBURGH BOYM Jay - 21 year old sexy fit lad. Very good looking and always horny! Friendly, discreet and professional service at my place or yours. See me on ScotsGuys.Com Tel: 07043 368517 for details. In calls available! [64a] LEATHER MASTER & MORE! 28 year old hairy Asian guy. Great physique, versatile and always horny. Experienced in leather scene and other fetishes. Soft and sensual too! Can accom in Glasgow or visit you anywhere in Scotland. Ask for Rajan 07050 174700. [64a] NEW EDINBURGH JAKE New Jake, 30, fit muscle lad, XVWE, VGL, tanned, offers discreet escort service, fully versatile, CP, leather available. Based Edinburgh can travel. In/out hotels. Tel: 07979 803934. [64a] SCOTSGUYS ESCORT AGENCY The best gay escorts in Scotland are at ScotsGuys! Visit http://www.scotsguys.com/ for pictures and details or call 08444 170134 (local rate) for all enquiries and bookings. New Escorts always wanted. [64a] NEW! FESTIVAL FUN! Zander - 18 year old gay escort. Cute, trendy and very sexy guy. Book now for Festival fun. I'm passive/versatile and well-hung. Sensual and tactile and great company for an hour or more. Call ScotsGuys: 07050 030424 for info. [64a] RUSSIAN BOY IN SCOTLAND Nikolai - 21 year old Muscle Boy. Very handsome, fit and muscular guy. Tall dark and very handsome model and escort. Available throughout Scotland. In calls in Glasgow. Call for availability - 07043 368141. [64a] SCOTLAND'S TOP ESCORT! Kyle - 18 year old boyish and cute gay escort in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Slim, toned, hung and horny. Versatile/passive and can accom in Glasgow or visit you. Will travel. Call 07043 368505. [64a] WILLIAM - BACK IN EDINBURGH! William - 21 year old model and escort. Tall, blond and blue, smooth athletic body, six-pack and hung. Quality escort and professional service. Out calls only. Call 07043 368200 or visit http://www.youcame.to/escort_william [64a] *WHERE TO GO REUBANS OF CARLISLE Gay and bi sauna. Close to M6 Jct42. Open 7 days. Tel 01228 523328. WWW: http://www.reubans.com/ [70] *WHERE TO STAY ALL NEW, ALL GAY GUESTHOUSES - EDINBURGH Two great locations. Exclusively gay. Easy walk to nightlife. Stylish rooms, all with TV and video (tapes available). Shared and private bathrooms. Breakfast available till noon. Non-smoking houses. Easy parking. Room rates: £29-£49 per night. Call 0131-558 1382 or Fax 0131- 556 8279. WWW: http://www.gayscotland.com/alvahouse/ [69a] APARTMENT - EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE Holiday/break. Fabulous serviced apartment, near all gay venues. 5 mins to main rail/bus stations and Princes St. Sleeps 1-5 people. 1 double bedded room. 1 single bedroom. Very large lounge/dining room - inc double sofabed. Kitchen inc all mod cons and bathroom. From £90 per night. Tel: 0131-557 1910 or 07966 938055 or E-mail: dublinstreetstay@ hotmail.com for bookings. WWW: http://www.dublinstreet.co.uk/ [68a] CHARING CROSS GUEST HOUSE Offering budget accommodation in the heart of Glasgow City Centre. Gay friendly. Tel: (+44) 141-332 2503. Fax: (+44) 141-353 3047. WWW: http://www.glasgow-guesthouse.net [70] INVERNESS - GLENUIG GUEST HOUSE Close to City Centre. Welcoming, gay-friendly atmosphere. Spacious ensuite rooms. Off street parking. Substantial continental breakfast served until noon. Rates from £18pppn. Tel: Inverness (01463) 250938. [64a] NEAR PERTH Guest House. En suite rooms B&B £25. Dinner to order. Also massage, hairdressing head and body. For a discreet personal service, call Ron on 07730 876454. [67] NORTH WEST HIGHLANDS Friendly and relaxed small B&B with spectacular mountain views & wilderness surroundings. Ideal for walking, climbing, cycling or enjoying the peace & quiet in an "away from it all" picturesque location. Martin and Ken. Tel: (01809) 511315. WWW: http://www.poulary.co.uk/ [68a] PENZANCE - CORNWALL Small, gay-friendly, period hotel situated with own parking in town centre. Rooms available en-suite. WWW: http://www.cliffhotelpz.co.uk/ Tel: (01736) 368888. [99] PERTH We are a gay and lesbian friendly guest house in Perth. 10 mins from city centre amenities. Comfortable rooms recently refurbished and ensuite. 24 channel televideo. All diets catered for. Excellent rates. Full Scottish breakfast. See you soon. Phone 07715 180157. E-mail: enquiries@rosebankguesthouseperth.co.uk [67] POTTERY HOUSE B&B - LOCH NESS Small, friendly B&B on the shores of Loch Ness just 8 miles from Inverness. Call John or Glen: 01463 751267. WWW: http://www.potteryhouse. co.uk/ [70a] VICTORIAN HOUSE HOTEL 60 spacious and well appointed bedrooms - quiet, comfortable and individually furnished. 3 star and gay friendly. Tel: (+44) 141-332 0129. Fax: (+44) 141-353 3155. WWW: http://www.victorianhotel-glasgow.co.uk/ [70] --------------------------------------------------------------------- HELPLINES AND SWITCHBOARDS ========================== CROSSLYNX NATIONAL TV/TS/TG HELPLINE Mon 7.30-9.30pm. Phone: 0141-847 0787 WWW: http://www.crosslynx.org/ CUMBRIA AND THE BORDERS GAY HELPLINE Nightly 6-9pm. Phone: Bassenthwaite Lake (01768) 776244 DIVERSITAY LGBT SWITCHBOARD (DUNDEE) Mon 7-10pm. Phone: Dundee (01382) 202620 Write: PO Box 53, Dundee. DD1 3YG. E-mail: contact@diversitay.org.uk WWW: http://www.diversitay.org.uk/ FIFE HATE CRIME REPORTING HELPLINE 24 hours. Phone: Freephone 0800 3891425 A freephone number for people who wish support in reporting to Fife Constabulary crime motivated by hate. For further information about the service or becoming a trained helpline volunteer, phone us now! HOMOPHOBIC CRIME LINE Nightly 7-10pm. Phone: 0141-847 0647 or Stirling (01786) 469483 WWW: http://www.centralscotland.police.uk/gblt/ LOTHIAN GAY AND LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD Nightly 7.30-10pm. Phone: 0131-556 4049 E-mail: switchboard@rapidial.co.uk WWW: http://www.lgls.co.uk/ LOTHIAN LESBIAN LINE Mon, Thu 7.30-10pm. Phone: 0131-557 0751 E-mail: switchboard@rapidial.co.uk WWW: http://www.lgls.co.uk/ STRATHCLYDE LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD Nightly 7-10pm. Phone: 0141-847 0447 E-mail: info@sgls.co.uk WWW: http://www.sgls.co.uk/ STRATHCLYDE LESBIAN LINE Wed 7.30-10pm. Phone: 0141-847 0547 WWW: http://www.sgls.co.uk/services1.htm LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD 24 hours. Phone/Minicom: 020-7837 7324. FAX: 020-7837 7300. WWW: http://www.llgs.org.uk/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- VENUES AND EMPORIA ================== * DENOTES SCOTSGAY AVAILABLE *ABERDEEN ABERDEEN WOMEN'S CENTRE* Shoe Lane, (next door to Lemon Tree). Tel: (01224) 625010. Tue-Wed 10am-2pm, Thu 5-9pm. A *women only space* where all women are welcome without prejudice. Free use of computers and Internet connection. Access for disabled. No smoking policy in Centre. Contact Maria Clark for more details at E-mail: awc@clara.co.uk BAR INDIGO* 20 Adelphi. Sun-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sat 5pm- 3am. Gay bar/club in old Oh Henry's premises. Free entry before Midnight - thereafter £2 entry Fri, £3 entry Sat. WELLMANS HEALTH STUDIO* 3rd Floor, 21-23 Justice Mill Lane. Tel: (01224) 211441. Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat- Sun 10am-5pm. Aberdeen's first (and only) gay sauna. Two video booths, dark room, sauna, steam room, stand-and-tan sun cabin. Massages available from £20 - no need to book in advance. *DUNDEE BROOKLYN'S BAR* 2 St Andrew's Lane. Tel: (01382) 200660. 5pm-Midnight. Well appointed gay-friendly bar next door to Out and under the same management. Karaoke: Wed, Fri & Sun. DJ: Sat (Handbag Heaven Show). CHARLIE'S BAR* 75-79 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 226840. Sun 12.30-11pm, Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight. Gayfriendly bar with free disco Fri & Sat 8pm- Midnight. Free use of premises for pre-booked groups. OUT* 124 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 200660. Wed- Sun 11pm-2.30am. Good atmosphere, very popular disco with wide selection of sounds and the occasional act/PA. *EDINBURGH During the Festivals Season in August, most Edinburgh venues operate extended hours. Phone them to confirm. ABSOLUTELY DRAGULOUS* Claremont Bar, 133/135 East Claremont Street. Tel: 0131-556 5662. Fax: 0131-558 3539. 9pm-late. 3rd Fri & 5th Sat of each month. Next date: Sat 30th Jul (Summer/Beach Theme). Club for trannies, admirers, anybody with an open mind. Entertainment, Dancing. Entry £5 (Trannies £3). WWW: http://www.absolutely-dragulous. com/ and http://www.claremontbar.co.uk/absolutelydragulous. htm THE AULD HOOSE* 23-25 St Leonards Street. Tel: 0131-668 2934. Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon-Sat 11.30am-1am. Everybody-friendly bar. Real ale. Food served: Mon-Fri 11.30am-1.30pm & 5pm-8.30pm, Sat 11.30am-7.30pm, Sun 12.30-6.30pm. BLACK BO'S 57/61 Blackfriars Street. Tel: 0131-557 6136. Mon-Thu 6-10pm, Fri-Sat 6-10.30pm. Superb little mostly vegetarian restaurant. Friendly staff. Mixed clientele. E-mail: admin@blackbos.co.uk WWW: http://www.blackbos.co.uk/ BLAZE eGo, 14 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7434. 11pm-3am. 1st, 3rd & 4th Fri of each month. Commercial/funky house & chart by James Longworth and guests. "Igniting the gay weekend". £1.50 drinks promos all night. Entry £5. E-mail: info@jameslongworth.com WWW: http://www.jameslongworth.com/ BLUE MOON* 1 Barony Street/36 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-556 2788 (Bar) or 0131-557 0911 (Office). Sun 10am-11pm, Mon-Thu 11am- 11pm, Fri 11am-11.30pm, Sat 10am- 11.30pm. Food served until 10pm. Popular lesbigay cafe/bar complex. BOBBIE'S BOOKSHOP* 220 Morrison Street. Tel: 0131-538 7069. Mon-Sat 10am-1pm, 2-5.30pm. Mixed bookshop selling a selection of UK and imported gay magazines. BOOTYLUSHOUS Medina Nightclub (Under Negociants), 45-47 Lothian Street. Tel: 0131-225 8313. Info Line: 07736 936650. Sun 10pm-3am. "It's our duty to please your booty". DJs Dale Lush, Simmone Black, Michelle, Isla Blige, Arran Jay. R&B/Soul/Disco. £3 entry before Midnight - £4 thereafter. E-mail: dale@lushmarketing. com WWW: http://www.bootylushous. com/ BURLY TOO Mariners (formerly The Commplex), 39-40 Commercial Street, Leith. Info Line: 07930 357401. 10.30pm-3am. 3rd Sat of each month. Next date: Sat 20th Aug: "Burly vs Tonker" Top London DJ Tim Jones from Tonker will be battling it out on the turntables with Burly DJ Hi-Fi Sean 10.30-4am (tbc). Aimed at lads 25+. Dress Code: Sportswear, denim, rubber, leather, uniform, kilts. No designer or trendy gear. Entry after 1am at the discretion of the promoters/door security. "Burly designed to be cruisy". £10/£8. E-mail: dv8scots@hotmail.com WWW: http://www.dv8scots.co.uk/ C.C. BLOOM'S* 23 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-556 9331. Mon, Fri, Sat 6pm-3am, Sun, Tue-Thu 8pm- 3am. Two floors. Karaoke on Thu and Sun. Cilla Slack on Fri 10pm-3am. Disco every night from 11pm. E-mail: xanderfan82@hotmail. com WWW: http://www.ccblooms.com/ CLAREMONT BAR & RESTAURANT* 133/135 East Claremont Street. Tel: 0131- 556 5662. Fax: 0131-558 3539. Bar: Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon-Sat 11am-1am. Restaurant: Sun 12.30pm-6pm, Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm. "The Claremont is one of the most relaxed attitude bars in the city and has a policy that the customer always comes first." Renowned for courtesy, comfort and good food. 3rd Fri: Drag night. 1st Sat: Bearscots for bears and bear lovers. 2nd Sat: Gaykilts & Sporran Clan. 3rd Sat: Fetish, leather and Scotskins. 4th Sat: Camouflage/uniform night. 5th Sat: Drag night. E-mail: mail@claremontbar.co.uk WWW: http://www.claremontbar.co.uk/ DEVILS* 9 Seafield Road East, Portobello. Tel: 0131- 657 5575. Mon-Thu Noon-10pm. Fri-Sat Noon 8pm. Sun 2-8pm. New gay sauna. Fully open from Mon 1st Aug. Entry £5. DISKO BLOODBATH eGo, 14 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7434. 11pm-3am. Monthly. 1st and 3rd Wed of each month. Next dates: 1st & 14th Aug. Edinburgh's 1st Alternative Queer Night. Hard boys, hard girls, hard rock, punk, electro-alternative with Party Monster atmosphere. £3. EASYINTERNETCAFE 58 Rose Street. Tel: 0131-220 3577. Sun 9am-10pm, Mon-Sat 7am-10pm. Large Internet Cafe from which many gay men seem to troll the net instead of just picking up each other! WWW: http://www.easyinternetcafe.com/ EDINBURGH LGBT CENTRE* 58a and 60 Broughton Street. Houses Sala Cafe-Bar and Pride Scotia (Edinburgh). Provides meeting and noticeboard space for many LGBT organisations. FEVER eGo, 14 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7434. Info Line: 0131-557 4656. 11pm-3am. Monthly. Next dates: Sat 20th Aug (Oscar Lopez (Ibiza) with Residents), Sat 17th Sep: Residents Night with Fisher & Price, The Visitor and Kaupuss. Taste's monthly night featuring Taste resident DJs Fisher & Price and Martin Valentine in the ballroom and The Visitor and Kaupuss playing pophouseelectrodisconewwaveglam (basically anything goes) in the Cocteau Lounge. Pre-club party at The Street from 9pm with DJs The Visitor and Kaupuss. Ask staff for discount passes. £8 Members/£10 - Taste members £5 before 11.15pm. WWW: http://www.tasteclubs. com/ FRENCHIES BAR* 89 Rose Street Lane North. Tel: 0131-225 7651. Sun 2pm-1am, Mon-Sat 1pm-1am. Vibrant gay bar (Edinburgh's oldest) in the heart of Rose Street. Happy Hour 6-8pm every day. FUR BURGER eGo, 14 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7434. 11pm-3am. 2nd Thu of each month. Next date: Thu 11th Aug (extra Festival date: Thu 18th Aug). "I'm Lickin It" - new women's club. £3 entry. Pre club at Planet Out. WWW: http://mm.dfilm.com/mm2s/mm_route.php ?id=2323325 HABANA* 22 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-558 1270. Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon-Sat Noon-1am. Centrally located pre club bar. Open and bright as well as quite intimate. Busy. Drink promos throughout the month. E-mail: habana1@btinternet. com. WWW: http://www.gayscotland. com/habana/ HOLYROOD TAVERN* 9a Holyrood Road. 0131-556 5044 (tbc). Mon-Sat Noon-1am. Sun 12.30pm-1am. A welcome re-opening under previous landlord Mark. Real ale. Mixed clientele. Kitchen will be re-opening soon doing vegetarian food. JOY The Venue, 15 Calton Road. JOY Info Line: 0131-467 2551. 11pm-3am. Every 4 weeks. Next dates: Sat 30th Jul, 27th Aug. Popular club night held on three levels and featuring DJs Maggie Joy, Alan Joy and Brett King in the main room, Trendy Wendy and Sally F downstairs in The Cooler. Joy will be celebrating its 12th birthday on 27th Aug and will be running until 5am too! £8 Joy members/£10 otherwise - look out for discount passes in the bars beforehand. LEATHER AND LACE* 8 Drummond Street. Tel: 0131-557 9413. Fax: 0131-557 8336. Sun Noon-9pm, Mon- Sat 10am-9pm. 25 Easter Road. Tel: 0131- 623 6969. Noon-6pm. 368-370 Gorgie Road (Currently not licensed as a sex shop). Tel: 0131-468 6969. Sun Noon-8pm, Mon-Sat 11am-8pm. Scotland's ORIGINAL licenced SEX shops! Toys galore, video rental too! Larger sizes stocked. LUVELY The Liquid Room, 9c Victoria Street. Tel: 0131-225 2564. Info Line: 0131-657 4633. 10.30pm-3am. Monthly. Next dates: Sat 27th Aug, 24th Sep. Mega club night with resident DJs Tommy Kay, Newton & Stone, Jared and GP. WWW: http://www.luvely.net/ MINGIN' The Venue, 15 Calton Road. Info Line: 0131- 467 2551. 11pm-3am. Fortnightly. Next dates: 6th & 13th Aug. Keep your eyes open for special passes in the bars over the next few weeks for FREE ENTRY to Mingin' before midnight. Also as a wee twist to the night, Alan Joy will be playing first (11pm-1am) and Brian Dempster will be finishing off the night (1am-3am). £6 entry (£5 before midnight). NEWTOWN BAR* 26B Dublin Street. Tel: 0131-538 7775. Fax: 0131-539 1132. Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon- Thu Noon-1am, Fri-Sat Noon-2am. Especially popular with men. Drinks Promotions Daily. Downstairs: The dark and cruisy Disco Bar is open Fri & Sat with resident DJ Malcolm from 10pm-2am - also available for hire Sun-Thu. Email: Webmaster@thenewtownbar.co.uk WWW: http://www.thenewtownbar.co.uk/ No EIGHTEEN* 18 Albert Place, Leith Walk. Tel: 0131-553 3222. Mon-Thu Noon-10pm, Fri-Sun Noon- 11pm. Claims to be Edinburgh's busiest men only sauna. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere with excellent facilities which include large sauna cabin, 14-man steam room, private rooms, 8-man filter Jacuzzi, communal and private showers, themed rooms, video area and TV lounge. Hot and cold refreshments available. £9 (£7 concessions). Manager's special: admission £5 after 8pm. WWW: http://www.number18sauna.com/ PLANET OUT* 6 Baxter's Place. Tel: 0131-556 5551. 4pm- 1am. Popular and busy gay bar with friendly staff. Cheap drinks on a Mon! E-mail: planetout@ btinternet.com POLYSUPER Mood Nightclub, Omni Leisure Development, Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-550 1640. Mon 10pm-3am. A Polysuper selection of commercial R'n'B, 70's, 80's, 90's hits and today's Top Of The Pops blended with a cheezee assortment of the most popular camp anthems. Entry: £3/£2 student/flyer. Great Drinks Promos From £1.50. E-mail: petehimsworth@ petehimsworth.com WWW: http://www.polysuper.com/ Q-STORE* 5 Barony Street. Tel/Fax: 0131-477 4756. Sun 1-5pm, Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am- 6pm. Scotland's only licensed gay store. Not just feelthy pictures - lifestyle too! THE REGENT* 2 Montrose Terrace. Tel: 0131-661 8198. Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon-Sat 11am-1am. Alan Joy's dog-friendly gay bar, run in conjunction with Lisa from Luvely. Real ale, relaxed atmosphere, comfortable surroundings. Coffee and croissants. CAMRA's Lesbian and Gay Real Ale Drinkers meet here on the 1st Mon of each month at 8pm (except Aug - 2nd Mon). WWW: http://www.lagrad-edinburgh.org.uk/ SALA CAFE-BAR* 60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-478 7069. Sun, Tue-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-1am. Relaxed and friendly gay cafe bar in the heart of Edinburgh's Gay 'district' (directly above Edinburgh's LGBT Centre). Fabby big window and sofas to watch world go by! Freshly prepared, wide ranging menu. Regular live music and party nights (contact Sala for more info). Gallery space with regularly changing exhibitions. Women's group meet informally for drinkies/food every Wed eve. Room also available for private dinners/parties etc. Email: salacafebar@hotmail.com SOLAS CAFE* 2/4 Abbeymount. Tel: 0131-661 0982. Mon-Fri 11am-4pm. Attached to Solas HIVIDS Information Centre. Good home cooking (everything cooked on the premises). Vegetarians and carnivores catered for. STEAMWORKS* 5 Broughton Market. Tel: 0131-477 3567. Daily 11am-11pm. Stylish sauna forming part of busy gay hotel & sauna complex in centre of gay quarter. State-of-the-art facilities including large spa pool, sauna cabin, large steam room, video room, labyrinth with themed areas, cafe lounge, free Internet access, tanning booth. Massage available daily. Choice of lockers or private cabins. Admission: Lockers £5, Cabins £10 before 3pm Mon-Fri. Lockers £9, Cabins £14 at all other times. Students & under 25 £5 lockers all day, every day! No membership required. Proudly gay owned & operated. WWW: http://www.steamworkssauna. co.uk/ THE STREET* 2 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-556 4272. 11.30am-1am. Small but perfectly formed bar (formerly Pop Rokit) recently taken over and refurbished by Louise (ex-POut), Annie and Trendy Wendy. Food served 11.30am- 7.30pm. TACKNO eGo, 14 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7434. Last Sun of each month. 11pm-3am. DJ Trendy Wendy. Mixed and crowded club night. Note new venue. TASTE The Liquid Room, 9c Victoria Street. Tel: 0131-225 2564. Info Line: 0131-557 4656. Sun 11pm-3am. Edinburgh's original and longest running gay-friendly club night that brings together like-minded people who enjoy a club environment free from hassle and bad attitudes and for whom sexuality is not an issue. Taste's resident DJs Fisher & Price play an eclectic mix of the best underground dance music currently available in the Big Room, while resident DJ Martin Valentine plays Deep House and US House in the Wee Room. Sun 14th Aug: Earth comes to Taste with Per and MC P. Pholl (Amsterdam) and Fisher & Price and Martin Valentine (5am licence). Sun 21st Aug: Oscar Lopez (Ibiza) with Fisher & Price and Martin Valentine (5am licence). Sun 28th Aug: Festival Special with residents Fisher & Price and Special Guest Carl Dupree (Phuture Sole Recordings, USA) with Martin Valentine and Steven Wanless in the Back Room (5am licence). Sun 11th Sep: Jon Pleased (Quarterly Residency - 3 hour set) with Martin Valentine. Sun 18th Sep: Autumn Holiday Special with Fisher & Price and Martin Valentine and Steven Wanless. Regular prices: £6 Members/£8 Guests £5 before 11.30pm. Drink promos until 1am. WWW: http://www.taste-clubs.com/ THAI ME UP 4 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-558 9234. Lunch: Wed-Sat Noon-2.30pm. Dinner: Mon-Sun 5- 11pm. Superb gay-friendly Thai restaurant situated in the middle of Edinburgh's gay area. Friendly, efficient staff serving some of the best and most authentic Thai food in the UK. E-mail: management@tmeup.com WWW: http://www.tmeup.com/ VELVET WOMEN'S CLUB NIGHT Mariners (formerly The Commplex), 39-40 Commercial Street, Leith. 10pm-2am. First Sat of each month. Next dates: Sat 6th Aug, 3rd Sep. Male guests welcome if invited and accompanied by a lady. New music & guest DJs. £6/£5 conc. with ID. £3 before 10.30pm. E-mail: clubvelvet@blueyonder.co.uk WWW: http://www.webflyers.co.uk/Flyer/377 VIBE* eGo, 14 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7434. Tue 11pm-3am. James Longworth plays charty/ party upstairs, guest DJs R'n'B downstairs. Super-popular gay night. £1 drinks promos all night. £3 before Midnight/£4 after. E-mail: info@jameslongworth.com WWW: http://www.jameslongworth.com/ VITTORIA 113 Brunswick Street. Tel: 0131-556 6171. Fax: 0131-478 7009. Sun Noon-11pm, Mon- Sat 10am-11pm. Mega-popular gay-friendly Italian reataurant. Best lasagna in Edinburgh! E-mail: info@vittoriarestaurant.com WWW: http://www.vittoriarestaurant.com/ WIGGLE* eGo, 14 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7434. Info Line: 0131-467 2551. 11pm-3am. Monthly. Next date: Sat 13th Aug. In the main hall, resident DJs Trendy Wendy and Jon Pleased blend camp with classics and new sounds. Dale Lush and DJ Michelle go a touch alternative downstairs. Some big changes are afoot at this busy club. Oops a daisy it's all gone upside down at Wiggle. Look out for cheap entry passes in the bars beforehand. Entry to Wiggle is £10 (£8 for green card holders). E-mail: wiggle@blueyonder.co.uk WORD POWER* 43 West Nicolson Street. Tel: 0131-662 9112. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. Sat 10.30am- 6pm. Independent radical bookshop. E-mail: books@word-power.co.uk WWW: http://www.word-power.co.uk/ *GLASGOW BENNETS 80-90 Glassford St. Tel: 0141-552 5761. Sun, Wed-Thu 11.30pm-3am, Fri-Sat 11.30pm-3.30am. Recently re-opened after disastrous fire. E-mail: enquiries@bennets.co.uk WWW: http://www.bennets.co.uk/ BURLY The Arches, 30 Midland Street. Infoline: 07930 357401. 10.30pm-3am - entry after 1am at the discretion of the promoters. Next event: Fri 5th Aug "Burly's Nearly Naked Foam Party" - Get down to your briefs/swimwear and boots (changing facilities available) and boogie on down to Hi-Fi Sean's sounds. Usual dress code applies £10. Guest DJ Raymo. Strict Dress Code: rubber, leather, uniform, industrial, sportswear, kilts & denim. Designed to be cruisy. E-mail: dv8scots@hotmail.com WWW: http://www.dv8scots.co.uk/ CCA* 350 Sauchiehall Street. Admin Tel: 0141-332 7521. Fax: 0141-332 3226. Box Office Tel: 0141-352 4900. Cafe Tel: 0141-332 7959. Box Office: Tue-Thu 11am-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11.30pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Gallery: Tue-Sun 11am-6pm, Thu 11am-8pm. Cafe: Tue-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight, Sun 11am-6pm. Bar: Tue-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-1am. The Centre for Contemporary Arts. 6 performance & exhibition spaces, Cafe/Bar, bookshop. E-mail: gen@cca-glasgow.com WWW: http://www.cca-glasgow.com/ CLONE ZONE* 45 Virginia St. Tel/Fax: 0141-553 2666. Sun Noon-6.30pm, Mon-Sat 10.30am-7pm. Clothes, videos, magazines, toys. E-mail: admin@clonezone.co.uk WWW: http://www.clonezone.co.uk/ CLUB DEVOTION 18 Jamaica Street. Tel: 0141-847 0820. Thu- Sun. 11pm-3am. Popular gay club. Now has two areas: Upstairs - carpeted and a nice relaxing place to sit down, Downstairs - main dance floor and stage. E-mail: clubbing@pinkdevotion.co.uk WWW: http://www.pinkdevotion.co.uk/ CLUB EROS* 1-3 Bridge Street. Tel: 0845 4562310. Sun- Fri Noon-10pm, Sat Noon-4am. Glasgow's largest licenced sauna & gym for gay and bi men set over three floors. Entry from £7.50. Free Sunday breakfasts. E-mail: cluberos@hotmail. com COURT BAR* 69 Hutcheson Street. Tel: 0141-552 2463. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight, Mon-Sat 8am- Midnight. Intimate bar beside former Sheriff Court. Straight until mid-evening. CUBE 34 & 44 Queen Street. Tel: 0141-226 8990. Mon-Tue 11.30pm-3am. Mon: Passionality@Cube44 with DJ Shawn Roberts. Tue: FunClub@Cube34 with DJ Shazza Halliwell. Various drinks promos. Entry £3. Email: thornleisure@yahoo.co.uk WWW: http://www.cubeglasgow.co.uk/ CYBER* Unit 3, King's Court, 107 King Street. Tel: 0141-553 0942. Sun Noon-5.30pm, Mon- Sat 10am-6pm. Alternative clothing specialising in corsetry. DELMONICA'S BAR 68 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141-552 4803. Daily Noon-Midnight. Claims to be "Glasgow's biggest and busiest Gay bar". DJs nightly from 9pm. Thu: Quiz. Sun: Karaoke. Nice if your face fits. E-mail: delmonicas@g1group.co.uk WWW: http://www.g1group.co.uk/ EASYINTERNETCAFE 57/61 St. Vincent Street. Tel: 0141-222 2365. Sun 8am-8pm, Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat 8am-10pm. Large Internet Cafe from which many gay men seem to troll the net instead of just picking up each other! WWW: http://www.easyinternetcafe.com/ GLC CAFE/BAR* 11 Dixon Street. Tel: 0141-226 5050. 11am-Midnight. Full breakfast always available. Home cooking. Friendly and busy! Karaoke on Fri, Sat. GLASGOW LGBT CENTRE (GGLC)* 11 Dixon Street. Tel/Fax: 0141-221 7203. Daily 11am-Midnight. Welcomes lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered. Services include: Cafe Bar, Info Box, Health Info, Interest Groups, Free Newspapers, Diary of Events, Reading Room, Garden of Reflection, Function space for hire and innovative Art Gallery. Houses 18 user groups and organisations. Fully wheelchair accessible venue. Email: admin1@glgbt.org.uk WWW: http://www.glgbt.org.uk/ THE LANE 60 Robertson Street Lane (off Argyle Street). Tel: 0141-221 1802. Noon-8pm. "Exotic Gay Men's Club" with sauna and private cabins. Not very busy. MERCHANT PRIDE* 20 Candleriggs. Tel: 0141-564 1285. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight, Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight. Food: Noon-5pm. Upmarket bar in the heart of the Merchant City. Regular cabaret, karaoke and disco. MODA 58 Virginia Street. Tel/Fax: 0141-553 2553. Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sun 5pm-3am. Fashionable pub/club. WWW: http://www.g1group.co.uk/ THE POLO LOUNGE 84 Wilson Street. Tel: 0141-553 1221. Mon- Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sun 5pm-3am. Long established pub/club. Young crowd. Polo Club (downstairs dancefloor) open Fri-Sun, £5 after 11pm. E-mail: polo@g1group.co.uk WWW: http://www.pololounge.co.uk/ RELAX CENTRAL* 3rd Floor, 27 Union Street. Tel: 0141-221 0415. Noon-10pm. Established gay sauna. Fully licensed by Glasgow City Council. Entry £8.50. E-mail: info@relaxcentral.co.uk WWW: http://www.relaxcentral.co.uk/ REVOLVER BAR* 6a John Street. Tel: 0141-553 2456. Mon-Fri Noon-Midnight, Sat-Sun 1pm-Midnight. A refreshing antidote to the current gay scene. Pool table, state of the art free jukebox (with over 8,000 tracks on it), reasonably priced drinks, good quality service, no karaoke. SILKS AND SECRETS* 308 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141-572 1017. Fax: 0141-221 0959. Sun Noon-5pm, Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. Clothes and toys catering for gay, transvestite and fetish tastes. Larger sizes stocked. TRON THEATRE CAFE BAR* Chisholm Street. Tel: 0141-552 8587. Fax: 0141-552 6657. Sun 11am-Late, Mon-Sat 10am-Late. Friendly theatre bar. Mixed. Good food. WWW: http://www.tron.co.uk/ THE TUNNEL 84 Mitchell Street. Tel: 0141-204 1000. Wed. 11.30pm-3am. Allure with DJ Darren. Entry £3. E-mail: thornleisure@yahoo.co.uk VICTORIA BAR* 157-159 Bridgegait. Tel: 0141-552 6040. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight, Mon-Sat 11am- Midnight. Basically straight, but justly popular with Glasgow's many Real Ale queens and dykes. Convenient for the Citizens Theatre. VIOLATE PO Box 808, Glasgow. G71 7YN. Violate Club Line: 09099 108174 (60p per min at all times). BDSM and general pervery. Operates in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Runs regular clubs at the Big Joint in South Street, Glasgow on the first Sat of each month. Also holds special one off clubs called UltraViolate roughly every 3 months. E-mail: info@violate.co.uk WWW: http://www.violate.co.uk/ THE WATERLOO* 306 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141-229 5891. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight, Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight. Semper idem! Popular, crowded, down to earth gay drinking shop. Scotland's oldest gay bar - what more can we say? Busy, busy, busy! Awarded the Beti Hutton seal of approval. *STIRLING BARNTON BISTRO* 3 1/2 Barnton Street. Tel: (01786) 461698. Sun Noon-Midnight, Mon-Thu 10.30am- Midnight, Fri-Sat 10.30am-1am. Food: until 7.30pm. Near to railway station. Mixed, busy, bohemian and friendly bar/bistro. Popular with students and Sons/Daughters of the Rock alike. TWIST* Fubar, 6 Maxwell Place. Tel: (01786) 472619. Wed 11pm-2am. John Mclean plays charty/party mix to a gay crowd. £3 entry. £2 drinks promos all night. E-mail: fubar@clg.co.uk WWW: http://www.clg.co.uk/fubar/ *STRATHYRE MUNRO INN* Strathyre, Callander. Tel: Strathyre (01877) 384333. Sun-Thu Noon-Midnight, Fri-Sat Noon-1am. Gay-friendly bar and hotel. Full menu served all day. Sunday roast. E-mail: bookings@munro-inn.com WWW: http://www.munro-inn.com/ venues and emporia ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ScotsGay: a monthly magazine for lesbians, gays and bisexuals. ScotsGay 60/- Light appears in odd numbered months, whilst ScotsGay 80/- Heavy appears in even numbered months. ISSN: 1357-0595. Edited, printed and published in Scotland. (c) Pageprint Publishing Limited, July 2005. PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. Non profit use by the lesbigay community of material in the magazine will normally be permitted free of charge - but contact us first for permission. We haven't had sex with most of the people who appear in the magazine, so we don't actually know what their sexuality is. Editorial: Tel: 0845 1208062 or 0131-539 0666. Fax: 0131-539 2999 E-mail: scotsgay@drink.demon. co.uk. WWW: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ Advertising: Tel: 0131-558 1279. Fax: 0131-539 2999. Subscribing by E-mail: Send a 'subscribe scotsgay-list' message to listserver@drink.demon.co.uk and the text files of future editions will be delivered to you by e-mail. To Unsubscribe: send an 'unsubscribe scotsgay-list' message to listserver@drink.demon.co.uk - please *do not* include the quote marks with your message. In either case, please ensure that your message is in the body (NOT header of the message) and that MIME and HTML options are switched OFF. Our listserver can only accept ASCII text. If you do not understand this, please consult your ISP or Sysadmin.