SCOTSGAY MAGAZINE ================= ScotsGay is a monthly magazine for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Edited, printed and published in Scotland ScotsGay 80/- Heavy - Issue 65 - August 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: Editorial News Aberdeen Glasgow Letter to the Editor Bound and Gagged Edinburgh Scottish Media Monitor Dundee Edinburgh Festival Fringe Reviews Book Reviews Fair Waved The Golden Porn International News Voice Personals Boxes - The ScotsGay Meet Market Helplines and Switchboards Listings Venues ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Editorial ========= JUDGE NOT Rex Wockner's reports in this issue on the Iranian hangings of gay youngsters (a regular occurence with more to come on 28th Aug according to Farhad Hoseini of the International Federation of Iranian Refugees). All, it seems in accordance with the Sharia law which many Moslems would like to see adopted throughout the world. Some of these are, no doubt, the Moslems who support any form of violent action that is intended to bring about this depressing state of affairs: bombings in London are just one aspect of this culture of theologically justified violence. Of course, many other Moslems roundly condemn these interpretations of their Holy Fetish Book (The Koran). It's like the USAnians with their Born Again leader George W Bush. He's a man happy to not only hang people too (especially black ones), but to spend large amounts of taxpayers' money blasting Johnny Foreigner out of the ground and then diverting even more money that's supposed to be spent filling in the holes and fixing the plumbing into the rapacious paws of companies to which he is connected. There are many Christian superstitionists (including Born Again ones) who deplore some or all of these actions. The Jewish Zionists who will tolerate no opposition to the State of Israel have their antithesis in the equally (if not more so) superstitious Torah True Jews who claim that Zionism is totally at odds with Jewish teachings. Our own dear Prime Minister is of a superstitious disposition which allows him to cuddle up to his mate GeorgeW and send UK troops to kill and terrorise people in Iraq. And to support the Met when they execute a blameless civilian, tell lies about him and send the folk that fired the shots on an all expenses paid foreign holiday. But I probably shouldn't have mentioned that last little problemette - the Met really have cleaned up their act now that we have that nice non-inhaling PC Paddick as their Pretty Pink Policeman and soft soap dispenser. Nevertheless, many Churchpeople here in the UK are up in arms at these policies too which they find are against the precepts of 'their' Holy Fetish Books (one or another of the editions of The Holy Bible). Whilst the superstitious are (in the considered opinion of this particular Atheist) just plain wrong in organising their lives around the presumed dictates of their imaginary friend or friends, only some of them are murdering bastards. The difficulty, as with the non superstitious murdering bastards, is telling the nice guys from the nasty before it's too late! There's one thing for sure: pooves, dykes and bicycles will always be amongst their principal targets. John Hein E-mail: editorial@scotsgay.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------- NEWS ==== WOOF! There's much mair than a bear can bare going on in Scotland later this year! From Fri 30th Sep-Sun 2nd Oct, BearScots is proud to present BearScotFest, the annual weekend event which for a few years now has been synonymous with friendship and fun. Once again, they've prepared quite an event with the relaxed atmosphere that's made BearScotFest famous. On 30th Sep, the bears will gather in Edinburgh for a weekend of fun and frolic! The highlights of this years' event include Posh Bears - a buffet dinner at the Botanics Hotel; two guided tours, two saunas, two brunches, a pub night, farewell drinks... what more could a bear ask? On Sat night, the main event - the party bears night - is at the Thomas Morton Hall in Leith. This promises to be a great night. Theme for this year is 'Cowboys'. They are expecting bears from around the world to attend and because the number of places for some of the events are limited you must pre-register on their web site at http//www.bearscots.org.uk/ From 18th-21st Nov BearScots will be heading back to Blairmore House in Argyllshire in November for a weekend of relaxation and fun in the Scottish Highlands. Only 8 miles from the bustling town of Dunoon, Blairmore can be accessed either by ferry from Gourock or by the beautiful Loch Lomond/Rest and Be Thankful road. It is ideally situated to explore the Cowal peninsula or venture further afield to the popular towns of Inveraray and Oban. There is a nine hole golf course in Blairmore and fishing (trout and salmon), sailing, walking, and numerous visitor attractions are close to hand. The house is close to the shore, not so close to the nearest shop and 1 mile to pub/hotel. Blairmore House provides the perfect venue to relax and unwind with friends. With spectacular views over Loch Long and the Firth of Clyde, three floors, and accommodation for 22 bears, you can spend the weekend secluded in luxury. You can relax in front of one of the open fires, chat to the bears, or take a dip in the indoor swimming pool. Perhaps you fancy a game of pool in the pool room? Or a relaxing session in the Jacuzzi or sauna? During the day you can take a trip to one of the many nearby attractions, from the arboretum at Benmore to the castle at Inverary. Perhaps you would rather stop at a country hotel or pub for a meal of fresh trout or salmon? For those who are even more adventurous, Quadmania, just along the road from Blairmore House, a wide range of actionpacked activities from quad-bikes to abseiling, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, rib-boat adventure, archery, gorge walking and more. GETTING THERE Getting there couldn't be easier. Although set in such an isolated location Blairmore House is only two hours from Edinburgh and only thirty miles from Glasgow Airport. By public transport there is a connecting service by train to Gourock, then ferry to Dunoon, and a connecting bus service right to the door. For those traveling long distances we may be able to arrange to pick you up from Glasgow Airport or railway stations. There is plenty of private parking. 10 NOT OUT MCC Metropolitan Community Church of Edinburgh celebrated 10 years of ministry in Scotland on Sunday 17th Jul. The Congregation is part of the worldwide Metropolitan Community Church Movement founded by Rev Troy Perry in 1968 and the Edinburgh Congregation was founded inJuly 1995, a month after the first Pride Scotland March and Festival, as a result of a visit to the Pride by some MCC clergy from England. MCC is an inclusive Christian Church with a special affirming ministry within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, open to all people irrespective of sexuality or gender identity. Over the past 10 years, MCC Edinburgh has provided a safe space to worship God and has helped many couples seek God's blessing on their covenant together. The Church has been on the front line of many justice struggles - especially the fight for equal rights of gender and sexual minorities in Scotland - and its people have appeared on television and radio and in the press and have given evidence to the Scottish Parliament and met with ministers and other politicians on several occasions. HELP WANTED The issue of Civil Partnerships and gay marriage is constantly in the news at the moment. However, there is very little known about what lesbians and gay men, who are contemplating Civil Partnership/ marriage, really think. A research project based at the University of Leeds is hoping to fill this gap in our knowledge. The research team want to interview lesbians and gay men who have already held a commitment ceremony, registered their partnership, or are planning to. They hope to find out what kinds of rituals are important to lesbians and gay men, as well as the impact social and legal recognition of their partnerships will have. If you would like to be interviewed, please contact Beccy Shipman on 0113-343 4903 or E-mail: r.shipman@leeds.ac.uk TRADE Pete Himsworth has launched a new Trade Night at Mood - details at http://www.grooveklub.co.uk/ PRIME TIME Prime Time was started up by Steve O'Donnell from Gay Men's Health along with two other men last October. Initially a monthly group, it is now held every 2nd Sun at the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing at 9 Howe St, Edinburgh from 2-4pm, and is an open, non profit, non political, non religious social/discussion group for men aged 40+. On average there are 10-14 gay/bisexual men whenever they meet. See Listings for further details. FIFE MEN SURVEY As a result of complaints about homophobic B&B owners over the G8 and Make Poverty History month, the Fife Men Project is conducting a survey of all accommodation and venues in Fife. The results will be available on the website with recommended accommodation together with an education campaign for those not operating a equality policy. WWW: http://www.fifemen.co.uk/accommodation/ accommodation.html JOBS FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS LGBT Youth Scotland which describes itself as "a leading national youth charity working towards the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people in the life of Scotland" has a job going in Glasgow. Like to be an Outreach Co-ordinator (37 hours, AP4: £20,808 - £23,034 + pension)? Then download a pack from http://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/content/ resources/download.asp?id= 108 or see our Listings for contact details. LEGAL SURGERY Fiona Cook, a solicitor, will hold a monthly surgery in the Glasgow LGBT Centre on the following dates: 27th Aug, 24th Sep and the 29th Oct. Please be advised appointments are booked on a first come first serve basis. To make an appointment contact the Centre offfice on 0141-221 7203. The first half hour consultation is free. INDIGO The popular Aberdeen boozer now as its own website - WWW: http://www.bar-indigo.com/ POLICE CALL Constable Izzi Hussene (Strathclyde Police Diversity Officer, A Division) is available in the Glasgow LGBT Centre for confidential advice and support and for the reporting of homophobic crimes or other related subjects from 7.30-9pm on the last Tue of each month. PUSHING THE BOAT OUT Sat 3rd Sep is the date of Mingin' Ahoy!, the infamous boat trips on the Forth. Tickets for the cruise on the Forth cost £15 which includes coach travel from Edinburgh to South Queensferry and back, three hours sailing up and down the Forth accompanied by a thumping sound system and then free entry to Mingin' afterwards. Tickets are available from The Regent Bar. For those not on the boat trip, entry to Mingin' is £5 before midnight, £6 after. Next Mingin' date Saturday Sep 17th. FUNNY GUYS Calling All Comedians! LGBT Youth Scotland needs all you funny people out there to take part in a comedy night which they're holding to raise funds. To help, they're organising three comedy workshops where you'll be able to practice your act and look at the work of other comedians. For more information: http://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/ KEEPING IT CIVIL Come along to a free information session at Glasgow LGBT Centre which will clarify the new laws on civil partnership. A financial advisor will be present and will give a short presentation and a question and answer session will follow. To be held on Mon 5th Sept from 7pm in Jackie Forster room. To book a place please contact the Centre either by phone 0141-221 7203 or E-mail admin1@glgbt.org.uk GENDER RECOGNITION The General Register Office for Scotland has a new page on their website to explain how they will issue replacement birth certificates to people who get gender recognition: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/ regscot/gender-recognition.html Information about how to apply for gender recognition is available from http://www.grp.gov.uk/ ROBIN COOK Gregan Crawford writes: It was Robin Cook who introduced the amendment to the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill (a 'consolidation' bill) that resulted in the legalisation of homosexual acts between consenting adults (over 21) in Scotland. He moved the 'New Clause 1' for second reading on 22nd Jul 1980. Robin Cook was a vice president of SMG, along with Malcolm Rifkind in the early days. Rifkind was fairly useless but Cook was a good friend to the gay community (both Cook and Rifkind started as Edinburgh 'toon cooncillors' before becoming MPs for Edinburgh Central and Edinburgh Pentlands respectively). I remember discussing with Cook how best to achieve law reform over a couple of pints in Broughton Street many years ago! John Hein adds: I always wondered why Cook was so helpful to the gay cause. Following publicity about his own love life, I came to the conclusion that it was a welcome form of Shaggers' Solidarity! BIG BREATHS! Breathing Space is a national, free, confidential phone-line to call when feeling down or stressed. 0800 858587. WWW: http://www.breathingspacescotland. co.uk/ BLESSED ARE THEY (Pic) Lisa and Alan receive a blessing at the Regent from the Order of Perpetual Indulgence. This was for the munificence of their punters and their contributions to OPI funds rather than for the quality of their beer for which no blessings could suffice! --------------------------------------------------------------------- ABERDEEN - Obar Dheadhainn ========================== Hi there, and here is this month's round up of what's happening North of anywhere. With only a few months before the opportunity to exercise your right to register your partnership under the civil partnership act it saddens me to notice the offer of 'secret' civil partnership services. Just when we think the LGBT community is taking great steps forward there is a painful reminder that there is still much to do. For never has the Scottish Executive offered us a greater opportunity to stand up and officially recognise our relationships. The act may not be to everyone's liking and 'disgusted of deepest Donside' may have a few words to say when they see that Mr and Mr X have got hitched at the local registrar, but I believe that there is no more legislation that can greater enhance the LGBT community. Acceptance of LGBT actors in soaps and performers on the likes of Big Brother have not contributed to an increased visibility of LGBT people on the streets in this corner of the world. It is now up to couples to stand up and say 'My relationship is legitimate in the eyes of the law and this is how I intend to live my life'. I recognise the right to a quiet life for everyone but there will always be homophobes in our community. While it may have been possible to elope a generation ago, I think that now with the greater emphasis on media and communication the offer of a 'secret' ceremony may need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Everyone from the butch lesbian to the effeminate guy and everyone in between has a role to play in shaping the future of our community in the North East of Scotland. From a recent copy of the Press & Journal - "There are 10 registrars here and only one has concerns on religious grounds. The rest of us will go ahead with the ceremonies." So there you go! The Aberdeen press certainly seem to be up on the happenings in the gay community these days. Having just spoken to Wellman's director Rod Brown and promised a scoop on the relocation of Wellman's Health Suite I discovered that the city's Evening Express had run the same story on that very day. For those of you that don't know the buildings around Wellman's including the former Satrosphere on Justice Mill Lane are set to be demolished to make way for a "better Aberdeen". Wellman's will be relocating to a quieter site on Holburn Street at the site of an (almost) former motorcycle shop. The new twofloor base could provide a gym, treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and spa bath. But, a fact omitted by the Evening Express is that the Health Suite is exclusively for men especially those that like other men. The new premises are planned to be open by Xmas. For the moment though, Wellman's continues to be open on the top floor at 21-23 Justice Mill Lane, Aberdeen. The next women's disco will be held on Fri 16th Sep from 8pm with Soul Food at the East Neuk bar on King Street. Contact Granite Sisters at http://www.13.clara.co.uk/ for details. I don't have an update from the extra-ordinary general meeting regarding the closure of the Women's Centre held last week but this notice comes from Yvonne of the Lesbian & Friends Lunch club: I don't quite know how to start this message. After a lot of debate and a lot of looking, after a lot of emotions, I have to inform you all that the Lunch Club has to come to a close. Because Aberdeen Women Centre is going to close we have lost our premises, and we have been looking and trying to find something that was half-suitable. And, it is with regrets that we failed. And, that I do not have any other choice than to close us down. The offered space we thought might have done it (PHACE) is not in any way a possibility. My question to you all is, could you please spread the message to women who are not in this community. Because of how it was run we don't have addresses or even contact numbers. Thank you all for the support over the last couple of years and for the happy memories I hope it brings in mind. A special thanks in the first place to Pauline. Thank you Pauline for all your work and involvement, and this also goes for Nicola, thank you your puds were the best. Thank you all. Yvonne. The Grampian Gender Group is a support/help group for trans-people. They meet once a month in Aberdeen and have done so now for several years. They provide a safe place to meet for informal chat, a place to dress if you choose and also occasional speakers and people coming along that can give help or support. The next meeting will be their AGM and will be held on Sat 20th Aug from 12 noon. Their main point of discussion will concern the future of the group. For further details, please E-mail: gillian_abdn@yahoo.co.uk A few of us had a pleasant days outing to Clachnaben as part of the LGBT Sports Club on Sun 14th Aug. We parked just above the Bridge of Dye and ascended the steep slope to the summit. With the weather clearing and the sun coming out, we stopped for lunch and took in the panoramic views. From there we continued on to another path that took us back down into the valley for a circular route along the River Dye. A meeting at the Phace offices on Thu 18th Aug at 8pm will discuss future events for this club. For the summer visitor the other prominent gay venue in Aberdeen is Bar Indigo (Oh Henry's). Situated at the end of the Adelphi - a rather quaint lane off the bottom end of Union Street - Bar Indigo is open seven nights a week with a variety of DJs during the week and drinks promotions between 9pm and 11pm. They celebrate their 2nd birthday on Sat 20th Aug with an Ultra Violet night. There is free entry to those with UV body paint and prizes for the best birthday suit. Of course, that reminds me of another important anniversary that I must go and do something about... Tivoli E-mail: Tivoli_abdn@yahoo.co. uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLASGOW - Glaschu ================= Is it nearly September already? Well, 'skinny rib' and badly fitting shorts can mean only one thing, our summer is all but done! The end of July saw the welcome return of Revolver Bar's 'boot camp.' Bootshines and headshaves, well with clippers rather than a razor, were available on the night with proceeds going to 'Phace Scotland,' a good time was had by all and it looks like it's a bimonthly event now (Fri 30th Sep is the next chance you have to dust off those combats!). Ron, John and all the staff look forward to seeing you there. As for BURLY! the near naked foam party in the Arches on the night of the 5th of Aug was wild! A few brave souls did indeed strip down to the bare shorts, trunks and what evers! A clever wee bag for all your stuff, was a great idea, the staff looked a bit bewildered really, but as usual they did their job well. Music was done by DJs Raymond and Hi-fi Sean. I have made no secret of the fact that I LOVE nights like this, real men, a bit of dressing up and loads of fun. Once upon a long time ago the word GAY was defined as fun, fun, fun and more fun! A few more nights like this would do Glasgow no harm, let's face it: not everyone is 18 with a 28 inch waist and would we want that anyway? Club Devotion, with DJ Annie and her mix of chart and soul, is still as popular as it was with the younger crowd and those that like the odd nibble on chicken! Bennets has picked up big time and the Waterloo is safely gay and as busy as ever. The Polo is sticking with its tried and tested weekly mix, having said that it's the only location with a 'T-Lady' night on a Wed! Stitch and Bitch (Glasgow Women's Library, 109 Trongate, 0141-552 8345) is on every second Tue, (next on 13th Sep). It may sound like a nightmare (when I heard about it I thought it was a reference to Casualty!) but I do recall my female family members talking about knit and crochet stitch. I can't, however, seem to recall if it made them any calmer! If you fancy a wee moan why not pop in, all ages and needle size welcome! If you happen to be in the East End, (yes, I said East, the West is next month), pop into the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art. Marvel at the wonder that is the St John of the Cross, have a wee peppermint tea in the Buddhist garden and gaze upon 'Women and War'! Jenny Matthews photographs are breath taking, shot in black and white, these images show conflicts from Afghanistan to South America and beyond. Taken from 1982, her eye is cast across a sea of despair and we are left with only the few notes she has been good enough to provide to guide us. If you liked 'Venus Rising' at the Burrell, you will love this different account of the beauty of the female form! And now and most humbly! May I apologise for my error of failing to report that Nik McNicol was voted unanimously to the board of directors of the LGBT Centre in Glasgow. I would also like to take the time to say sorry to my long suffering editor and chief for failing to make 'copy date' last issue and last but not least to all of you for same. I can only blame 'tech' stuff (I must have a homophobic lap top!) and a wee bit of tummy upset. BUT! This is all set to change! With the aid of a poor unsuspecting college (nothing to do with young, fit students you understand!) I will master the key pad once and for all! Well, that's all that I have heard, seen, been told and had screamed at me! Till our next merry meeting, this witch must fly! Criz E-mail: criz@drink.demon.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Letter to the Editor ==================== Dear Editor Your "Edinburgh Scene" reporter says that he is finding it hard to make "the same things" sound exciting after three and half years writing the column - I don't think many of your readers will disagree, not that the scene is necessarily boring but that "wee Alan" certainly doesn't seem to have the journalistic talents to bring the subject to life! Let me deal with two issues arising from his August 2005 musings. Firstly, what a missed opportunity to write an interesting, lively and intelligent column for the hundreds of thousands of people who flock to Edinburgh for the myriad festivals - ok not all will be queer and read ScotsGay but surely a better effort could have been made to engage our visitors, desperate to part with their pink Pounds, Dollars, Euros et al. And what about helping them have a good time with decent reviews of what Edinburgh offers? I'm sure many of your readers were ecstatic to read about Maddona and Gerri Halliwell but what the hell they specifically have to do with Edinburgh in August is beyond me! Perhaps he has his sights set on a job with Attitude (and I mean the mag, he already has the character it seems)! Which brings me to his "review" of one of Edinburgh's longest establishment gay bars, the New Town where I just so happen to be a regular, oh dear just one of the many places I could say I visit regularly - my poor liver! I have to say if I were management in the place, I would be getting a wee lawyer's letter off to the publishers. On the first hand, not one of the regulars or staff I spoke to has seen your correspondent in the bar this year, and certainly if he has "sneeked in" not often enough to make the inaccurate and frankly daft assertions that he has. And believe me the clientele is as varied as most other places I go - and I thought this millenium we were all about tolerance and not judging anyway? I wonder what you have to do or be in "wee Alan's" book to be described as "seedy" or "older"? So all in all, from an un-scientific poll of New Town punters (aged 18 to 48) - no problem "Wee Alan" if one of the busiest bars on the Edinburgh scene is not to your liking - stay away but at least get ScotsGay to send a reviewer with an open mind who can write accurately, funnily and engaging. Faithfully Douglas McBean -------------------------------------------------------------------- Bound and Gagged ================ Welcome pervs and pervesses to another instalment of my slap happy BDSM column. Quite a few changes this month, as we see several clubs moving venue for a variety of reasons. So pay attention if you do not wish to end up looking a complete prat. As has been noted by a number of individuals this column has been absent for a few editions. Well, listen up, this Bitch ain't goin' nowhere. I speak my mind and tell it how it is, you don't like it tough titty. If nothing much is going on then why should I bother my arse writing a column? You want this to be a regular feature, then tell me what the fuck is going on and I will report it in this fine periodical. Okay. First up is news of The Glasgow Munch, which is moving to the Admiral Bar on Waterloo Street. The Hogshead is being refurbished and we wish them good luck for the future and thank the excellent staff for helping to make the Munch such a success. So, as per normal, the Munch will run from 8pm until kicking out time on the 4th Thu of the month. Your meeters and greeters are Bumhug and Simply D, lovely people and very welcoming. As you go through the main entrance, simply go down the stairs to the lower bar and look for the table with the little teddy bear sitting on it. Dress code is street clothes or casual wear. You will notice from the above example that people often use a pseudonym, mine for example is Mistress Anya. Next up: no change for the excellent Munch in Edinburgh. It is held at Ryries Bar on the corner of Dalry Road and Haymarket Terrace. The Munch is held in a separate room, so just buy your drinks at the bar, go to the right hand end of it and up the stairs. The Munch is in the room at the top, just go on in. It's held on the third Thu of each month, from 8pm until close. Dress code is street clothing or casual wear. Now onto the clubs. 'Rebound' a very popular Glasgow club has moved to The Bastille Bar formerly known as Sloan's Bar. This venue is in a prime city centre location and absolutely awesome, the entire first and second floors are taken over by the club. The original fixtures and fittings make a stunning contribution to the ambience, which resembles a decadent turn of the century party in a country house. The next date, for this not to be missed club is Sat 20th Aug. 'Rebound' is ideal for those who like their perversions served straight with a twist! Doors open at 8pm and close at 1am, The entrance fee is £10 on the door. Location is The Bastille Bar/Sloan's 1st floor, Buchanan Lane, off Buchanan St, Glasgow (10 mins walk from George Square and Queen Street Station). Dress code is fetish and/or black. Now to an old favourite: club 'Violate' which next takes place on Sat 3rd Sep at the Big Joint, 1084 South Street, Scotstoun. A very popular event, this club welcomes a mixed crowd of all ages. Music is provided by DJ Loveless - a mix of Dance and Rock. A play area is set up in the large back room and food is included in the ticket price. As an introduction to the BDSM scene, this club night is ideal. Doors open at 8pm - club runs until 2am (doors close at Midnight). Tickets are £10 on the door or £5 for members. Annual membership is available on the door at £10. Discount news, you can get 10% off products from the Juju website. Don't forget that your Violate membership card will also get you 10% off in Cyber on Kings Street. Also Me-licious, Joy 4 Us and all UK outlets of Clone Zone. Yet another club that has moved is 'Nightshade' based in Edinburgh. It is now held at the The Lighthouse Studios, at 20 West Harbour Road in Granton, just along the road from Granton Square. There is a separate area for equipment with a main socialising area near the bar. The next date is Fri 19th Aug, tickets are £6 for members and £8 for nonmembers. Fetish dress code or choose to wear the monthly theme. No jeans! Background music, with no dance area. A Players club. WWW: http://www.nightshade-club.org/ Finally for this issue, we have DV8: a monthly fetish club held in the atmospheric cellars of the Spiders Web Pub on Morrison Street, Haymarket, Edinburgh. Entry price is only £5 for members. Membership costs £10 for a year and is available to anyone who has been to at least two previous DV8 events. Guests can be brought in by members for £10 each. The doors open at 8pm and you may pose on the equipment for your own photos until the Club starts at 9.30pm which then runs until 1am. No cameras (including cameras on phones) allowed from 9.30pm onward. Any questions or venues you would like listed contact me on my E-mail address below. You can also reach me on the following forums: http://www.informedconsent.co.uk/ or http://www.bondage.com/ I am registered as Mistress_Anya. You know what they say about payback? Well I'm the bitch! Mistress Anya E-mail: Mistress_Anya@drink.demon.co.uk ---------------------------------------------------------------------- EDINBURGH - Dun Eideann ======================= 'Mariners' the home of 'Velvet Women's Club Night' & 'Burly Too' is Licensed to conduct Civil Partnerships; 'Mariners' embraces our diverse LGBT community; It's unique; new; & seriously up-market it's 'Mariners'. Every so often, in Edinburgh, a new bar, restaurant or Night-Club opens that seems to capture the imagination of the city's socialites. Few that have appeared over the past few years come close to the versatile and open minded 'Mariners'. It's got to be one of the most adaptable and flexible venues in the city; one of those places that has to be seen to be believed. 'Velvet Women's Club Night' & 'Burly Too' have been vastly improved with their new home; proven by customers turning out in their droves. 'Mariners' is Scotland's premier and dedicated Civil Partnerships Venue; the LGBT community's ceremonial home. Book and plan your Civil Partnership and Function at 'Mariners' with the assistance of The Velvet Team, contact - Email: clubvelvet@blueyonder.co.uk The landmark Civil Partnership Act will be brought into force on 5th Dec this year. Any couple wishing to form a civil partnership will be able to give notice of their intention to register at a Register Office from that date. This will allow the first civil partnerships to be formed in time for Christmas on 21st Dec 2005, after the 15 day waiting period has passed. The Civil Partnership Act allows same-sex couples to make a formal, legal commitment to each other. At present, same-sex couples have no way of gaining formal legal recognition for their relationship and as a result suffer a range of problems in their everyday lives. Important rights and responsibilities will flow from entering a civil partnership, helping same-sex couples to organize their lives together. The process of entering into a civil partnership will be administered by the local registration service. On the day of registration, each member of the couple will sign in the presence of the registration officer and two witnesses. The Act also allows for same-sex couples who have entered legally recognized overseas relationships to be treated as civil partners in the United Kingdom 'Mariners' seems the perfect place to book your Civil Partnership and Function; a spectacular split level venue set in a stunning Converted Church in the heart of the Gay Residential Sector (located on Commercial Street, Leith, Edinburgh); particularly when it's so spectacularly lit up in the evenings and boasts a beautiful Modern Stained Glass Window set in the centre of two enormous spires. They have spared no expense in creating a truly spectacular interior. Many original features have been retained and the decor really is a clever mix of traditional and contemporary styles giving it a unique ambiance with a clean modern feel. The building is laid out over two floors, with a bar on each, and a large balcony overlooking the dance floor. The upper level is accessed by a staircase stretching the length of the dance-floor. Large comfy couches, scattered tables and cosy booths offer a variety of ways to relax and enjoy. Careful use of lighting has insured that 'Mariners' can have a coffeehouse ambience during the day and in the evening it is transformed into a state of the art Night-Club with a superior sound and lighting system, with plasma screens throughout. Also the menu has something for everyone; from flame grilled steaks and burgers to seafood, pizza, pasta and much more; with promotional prices on drinks and food and great music. Wow is all we can say, check it out folks... Jinx & Carpe Diem (Wee Alan is on holiday) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Garry Otton says LET'S SHOW MARRIAGE the FUTURE =============================================== I'm a law-abiding citizen, on the whole. A few minor incursions with speed cameras and then there was an incitement to impersonate a police officer (full uniform supplied). I wasn't charged for the latter. Well... Not officially, anyway! Respect the law. It is a message I would extend to these renegade councils who, at taxpayers' expense, are threatening to permit only civil registration of same-sex marriage and deny participants a ceremony. Religious extremist Gordon Macdonald, parliamentary officer for Christian Action, Research and Education (CARE) whinged in The Sunday Herald: "MSPs didn't properly debate this issue in the first instance, it was pushed down to Westminster because the parliament didn't want something controversial being discussed here. People haven't been able to express their views about this. Our concern is that civil partnerships were setting up a system that was essentially mirroring marriage. We disagree with this in principle... There is also an issue about ceremonies. This was purely about registration and now certain groups are calling for ceremonies as a means to suit their own agenda. This shouldn't be changed and this is another reason why the matter should have been more fully debated at the time". If you don't like gay marriage, Mr Macdonald, then don't fucking marry one! Full stop. End of! There is nothing to discuss. Our so-called 'Scottish Parliament' took that quite literally, of course, and left Westminster to deal with it. I want my taxes back! All it would have taken was a few tweaks in Scottish law and 'marriage-lite' would've only been something gays did in England before reaching Gretna Green. Now we have been awarded one of those 'special rights' moral conservatives crow on about because civil partnerships are denied to 'straights'. What part of the word 'equality' does the Scottish Executive not understand? Full marriage would've blessed gays with an excuse to flick through the latest wedding magazines, awarded religionists the chance to deny gay men the pleasures of promiscuity and given marriage the makeover it so desperately needs. Scotland would be a great country if it had only half the courage The Corries used to sing about. When Spain challenged the Catholic Church, which had a history of collusion with Franco's former fascist regime, to deliver equality to all its citizens, it did so with gusto. Spanish gays now qualify for all the same rights enjoyed by heterosexuals, including adopting children. It is certainly not strange, but true that a lot of gays love kids. (News of an Austrian father of 12 who left his wife for a male lover did nothing to undermine the opinion of The Sunday Mail who qualified the tale for their "strange but true" section). The Spanish Socialist Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriquez Zapatero put the full prestige of his office and party behind the passage of full gay human rights legislation in his country and a top government official attended its first gay marriage ceremony. In parliament, Zapatero quoted two gay poets in his speech. (Jack McConnell attending the first gay wedding quoting passages from our gay Scottish Makar? I don't think so)! Zapatero told his parliament: "We are not legislating, honourable members, for people far away and not known by us. We are enlarging the opportunity for happiness to our neighbours, our co-workers, our friends, and, our families. At the same time, we are making a more decent society because a decent society is one that does not humiliate its members. In the poem 'The Family', the poet Luis Cernuda asked: 'How can man live in denial by giving rules that prohibit and condemn?' Today, the Spanish society answers to a group of people who, during many years, have been humiliated, whose rights have been ignored, whose dignity has been offended, their identity denied, and their liberty oppressed. Today the Spanish society grants them the respect they deserve, recognises their rights, restores their dignity, affirms their identity, and restores their liberty. It is true that they are only a minority, but their triumph is everyone's triumph. It is also the triumph of those who oppose the law, even though they do not know it yet: because it is the triumph of liberty. Their victory makes all of us, even those who oppose the law, better people. It makes our society better. Honourable members, there is no damage to marriage or to the concept of the family in allowing two people of the same sex to get married. On the contrary, what happens is this class of Spanish citizens get the potential to organise their lives with the rights and privileges of marriage and family. There is no danger to the institution of marriage, but precisely the opposite: This law enhances and respects marriage. Today, conscious that some people and institutions are in profound disagreement with this change in our civil law, I wish to express that, like other reforms to the marriage code that preceded this one, this law will generate no evil, that its only consequence will be the avoiding of senseless suffering of decent human beings. A society that avoids senseless suffering of decent humans is a better society. With the approval of this bill, our country takes another step in the path of liberty and tolerance that was begun by the democratic change of government. Our children will look at us incredulously if we tell them that many years ago, our mothers had less rights than our fathers, or if we tell them that people had to stay married against their will even though they were unable to share their lives. Today we can offer them a beautiful lesson: Every right gained and each liberty has been the result of the struggle of many people that deserve our recognition and praise. Today we demonstrate with this bill that societies can better themselves and can cross barriers and create tolerance by putting a stop to the unhappiness and humiliation of some our citizens. Today, for many of our countrymen, comes the day predicted by Kavafis (Ancient gay Greek poet) one century ago: 'Later 'twas said of the most perfect society that someone else, like me, will come out and act in the spirit of freedom, and be rewarded'." Scotland, take note! The first 'gay marriages' - and, please, let's start calling them that if it's going to get up the noses of religionists - will be taking place on 20 December. Amongst them Aberdeen-based John Stewart and Neil Fletcher, both Lib Dem representatives on Aberdeen City Council who have been together for 13 years and tiara and tantrums aside, Elton John and David Furnish, who expect to be 'tying the knot' the following day. I'm just back from Amsterdam. One hot, sunny afternoon, I sat by myself drinking coffee at the edge of a canal in the Jordaan district, near the Homomonument and the Westerkerk. The sun glinted off chrome spokes of bikes tied to the iron railings of a canal bridge. I was listening through my mp3 player to Dutch pop artist Rob de Nijs singing 'Inch Allah'. I don't know why, but I felt uneasy. I'd been talking with friends. This country, so proud of its liberal traditions, is at war. The country appears to be defending itself against a new moral conservatism imported by immigrants. A gay map, handed out to gay tourists with a personal welcome from the mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen, warns: "Do not change any money on the streets! This is a known rip-off from east-European thieves". There is widespread mistrust amongst people towards immigrants, particularly Muslims, and it is very open. There have been arson attacks on Mosques in retaliation for the murder of filmmaker Van Gogh by a Muslim extremist and prior to Gay Pride; I heard rumours that the canal boat parade might be a target for attack. One resident, living in Amsterdam with his Egyptian boyfriend told me: "They are guests in our country and they have just pissed in the corner! They are our guests and they've abused our hospitality!" I can't pretend to know the answers; I know I abhor racism; that is a certainty, although I cannot tolerate the barbaric practices of primitive theocracies that undermine women and sexual minorities and pay scant regard for the human rights its citizens. As for the West, with greater liberties come greater responsibilities. That's not quoting anybody; it's just what I believe. It gives me some room to curse the Internet spammers while I excuse the ranters. With the rise of Islamofascist regimes and nasty clips of Islamic fundamentalists blasting bodies to smithereens circulating the Internet, I'm not sure I can hold that thought for very much longer. The Scottish Media Monitor has never supported censorship and defends the right to criticise religion. Gerald Warner, Mrs Grant, John MacLeod and their ilk are all entitled to air their opinions in the Scottish media. It is the Scottish media that has shirked its responsibility to ensure that the presentation of news and opinion is balanced and fair. News stories snatched from press releases from the Christian Institute or the Catholic Church and the plethora of religionist columnists have guaranteed a solid, conservative media, excluding truly liberal voices, censoring language and stifling sharp opinion. New laws censoring hatred of religion has created a climate that will make it difficult for the Scottish Media Monitor to continue. And time is running out. Recently, the editor of The North East Weekly told The Herald he had been charged by police under Section 19 of the Public Order Act after penning an editorial, "Perverts and Refugees", criticising the setting up of a refugee centre near Buchan. Section 19 gives the police power to arrest persons they suspect of publishing or distributing written material that is threatening, abusive, or insulting and likely to stir up racial hatred. Had he been obliged to carry an alternative opinion, there would have at least been an element of balance in his paper. But to be silenced altogether, then there is no voice at all. Another editor, Tom McConigley, is being investigated by police over an article headed "Gypsy Fear" in The Barrhead News after a report on 35 French travellers who had settled at Blackbyres after arriving from Ireland. There's no end to it. Scotland on Sunday reported how the Kirk was attempting to close the Edinburgh Dungeon. They apparently think it promotes Satanism and are challenging the renewal of its entertainment licence because the church in the city's London Road feels the displays are offensive to Christians. "The Kirk session of the church has complained about elves impaled on spikes, roasting robins and Father Christmas boiling in a witch's cauldron... The Christians claim the associations with evil are at least corrupting and at worst something that could lead to devil worship". After describing the ghoulish exhibits in such minute detail, I would suggest they stop going there. Or is that too simple for the Rev William Armitage? He told the paper: "...You can go too far. The way that evil is made out to be something positive is deeply troubling. Evil is something very powerful and should not be trivialised". Malcolm Dickson, the session clerk at the Parish church added: "We felt that it was time to make our voices heard... If this display had been aimed at any other religion it would have been closed down. People seem to think they can get away with this because it's Christianity". Does he mean like the blasphemy law that can only be used by Christians and which has only been used in modern times to prosecute gays? Maybe we could include amongst the exhibits some of the equipment religionists have used for torture and punishment over the ages? Finally, after a few words at the Civic Forum's meeting on media in Glasgow I'm pleased to say, but for a bit of grumbling from The Scottish Daily Mail, BBC Radio Scotland has now moved Thought For The Day, a piece of religionist propaganda that regularly interrupted the morning news, to some hopelessly early slot before the alarm goes off! 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... The bombings. And the answers, Gerald Warner-style in Scotland on Sunday: "We need to respond to this crisis in two ways. For the most immediate is a no-nonsense response to terror. For the human rights, multiculturalist lobby the party is over. Forty years of political correctness have had fatal consequences for 55 people: more will die, unless we act ruthlessly... The secular jihad must stop too". Alan Taylor in The Sunday Herald on cruising (described by straights as 'dogging'). "A colleague, who has a purely professional interest in such matters, tells me that Arthur's Seat is a favourite haunt for alfresco coupling. Walking around the crags one night recently he came across four separate sets of copulators, which he claims is a record. None of them seemed in the least perturbed by his presence as he bade them 'good evening'. His deduction? 'They must have been foreign'." Old Mother (Joan) Burnie in The Daily Record on TV soap, Coronation Street's Jack and Vera Duckworth: "They represent not just everything which is best on the Street but about the institution of marriage itself. I am deadly serious". ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DUNDEE - Dun Deagh ================== Hello everybody! So where the hell is summer? Well, although there is no scientifically proven correlation, the disappearance of the sun seems to have coincided with the opening of the Pavement Cafe outside the Out/Brooklyn's Bar complex. This latest venture - not specifically gay but open to all - will surely prove popular if those clouds would bugger off. It has also had the repercussion of Brooklyn's Bar extending their opening hours from Noon Mon to Fri and 12-30 on Sun, both the Cafe and Bar are serving coffee. Along with all the usual offers and nights at Brooklyn's we can now add in the pool competition on Thu, from 8pm with a bottle of voddie up for grabs, and the Showbar's mix of music and musicals still going strong held in Brooklyn's on the last Sat of each month. Downstairs in Out are luring in the punters on Wed and Thu nights by offering spirits and shooters for a shiny pound coin (or note I guess, although not seen any of those for ages). Along the Seagate in Charlie's Bar everything should be back to normal in the next week or two as Charlie and Ian are back behind the bar and Ross returns to DJ'ing duties on Fri and Sat nights. The next quiz night will be on Tue 6th Sep, from 8pm with various prizes including £100 up for grabs. Diversitay continue to hold their monthly ice-breaker evenings in Braes on Perth Road. These are on the third Wed of each month from 8pm, next one being Sep 21st. There are also plans to hold a woman's disco downstairs in Braes in the future, more details will be published here nearer the time or by calling the Diversitay switchboard Mon evenings 7- 10pm on Dundee (01382) 202620. Chris E-mail: courier_chris@yahoo.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edinburgh Fringe Reviews ======================== ScotsGay at the Edinburgh fringe festival For the most comprehensive set of reviews during the Edinburgh Fringe see the Three Weeks daily sheets at main Fringe venues. Or for a different, entertaining take, with all the gossip, go to the best online Fringe review website www.fringereport.com. Fringe Report have a small army of reviewers this year, all under the careful direction of John Park - officially the nicest man on the planet. MARTIN "FLIPPER" WALKER'S FRINGE ScotsGay are using the Three Weeks star rating system: * A really bad show - don't go and see it ** A poor example of this show's genre *** A good example of this show's genre **** A very good example of this show's genre ***** A brilliant show - go and see it Appelby's Journey to the 21st Century **** Underbelly Caves This is a great premise for a stand up comedy show. Take great Science-Fiction TV staples, such as Space 1999 and Star Trek, and compare that vision of the 21st century to how it has all turned out. The result is a razor sharp political satire, in the style of 80s Ben Elton, or even better, Rob Newman or Mark Thomas. It's as funny as it is relentless. Sci-Fi promised a food pill that would solve world hunger. We ended up with GM crops whilst much of the world is still starving. If Appelby's strength is her intelligence, which she has in abundance, it's also her timing. She never misses a beat in this tight political set. Another reviewer commented that Appelby is far too opinionated... but is that really an insult? What's the point of being on the planet if you have no opinions? This very funny woman has won a stack of awards. Go see why. Aisle 16: Poetry Boyband ***** Pleasance Boyband member, Luke 16 has passed me a note, written especially for ScotsGay readers: "Hi gay fans! We just want to say we're well PYSCHED you guys like us so much. Our manager, Steve, says it's because we've been "marketed to cynically play on the weaknesses of a crude stereotype," but we know it's because you want to bum us. That's cool, we know that our gay fans are dead important because when the twelve year old girls grow up and loose interest you'll always be there. Y'know people often say to us that Poetry's gay but when we think of you guys we don't feel so bad about that. Yours pectorally, Aisle16 - The Poetry Boyband Luke Wright, Ross Sutherland, Joel Stickley and Chris Hicks are Aisle 16. They've been massive cult hits at the Edinburgh Fringe for years and with a huge fan following, forming a poetry boyband was the next logical step. They strut, they wear white suits, they leave us wondering if the cute one is gay. Kind of a cross between Take That and Tennyson? Perhaps not... They are taking the piss of course. Ultimately, Aisle 16 are simply four bloody good poets, who deliver an upbeat hilarious set of lectures and skits that reclaims poetry from the academics and the English teachers. If I have one very minor criticism - I'd have liked the boys to have loosened the Boyband image a little occasionally and allow themselves to be themselves. Luke performed solo at the Pleasance press launch and was one of the very best things there. He displays great confidence and stage presence that demands your attention. When he utters his self penned prose, to extend the pop metaphor, it's pure gold. I for one am hoping next years Edinburgh show will be entitled Aisle 16: Greatest Hits. Beautiful Thing **** Zoo So what if the actors playing the two main gay leads are straight? - this is still the best production of Beautiful Thing I have seen in years. Other attempts at Jonathan Harvey's script have relied on the beauty of its two teenage stars alone and have failed. This production is much more than that. At its heart, Beautiful Thing is a comedy that anyone can enjoy. Dead Rabbit Productions capture the spirit of the piece so well that I was sad when the performance ended. Joseph B Mahon as Jamie with Sam McIlroy as Ste were great, but special praise must go to the marvellous Lindsey Powell as the mixed-up drugged-up Leah who, like her character in the film, was a consummate scene-stealer. And, at the end of the day, if you can't enjoy this play for the great piece of theatre it is, enjoy it for the great Mama Cass soundtrack. Superb. Being Earnest, It's Quite Important *** 'C' central This pack of talented teenagers actually get away with rewriting Oscar Wilde's classic comedy of manners. They've held on to the important bits (the Bumberying and the Handbag), but slipped in a few postmodern scenes of their own. Maybe the producers decided to hang this show on Wilde to get the punters in - I don't know. I wanted to see more of them and less Wilde - and I am a fan of the great Irishman. This company are clearly very talented - they should learn the lessons of the past and not attempt to resurrect it. Wilde, if he where around today, would have gone for something new. Don't hold back people, take a risk. Between the Water and the Air **** 'C' electric This play revolves around the American practice of Ice Fishing. For those of you too lazy to figure this one out, it means fishing in ice. Academic overachiever Ken leaves the Ivory tower to become a mechanic, in the face of increased pressure from his family. There are three tremendous actors in this piece, who between them play the five characters in this touching and distinctive story. It's ironic as well as moving, and that's a difficult balance to achieve. The incidental music by Steve Whipple and Sarah Niblack is superb, atmospheric but never intrusive. This is an evocative production from a talented company. Caesar Twins and Friends *** Assembly Rooms The Caesar Twins are a gorgeous, acrobatic, talented pair of 25-year-old guys from Poland. What these guys can do with their bodies is quite exceptional. They can hold and twist themselves into such positions... it takes great strength, trust, and mental agility to perform this way. Eye candy agogo. Trouble is that this is a family event, and as such - they don't give us all they've got. Add to that some truly embarrassing, incomprehensible narrative (neither twins speak English very well) and we are left with is a much toned down performance of their late night show. Go see them at La Clique instead. Late, live and part of an adult cabaret experience that is one of the very hottest tickets on the Fringe. Christie and Doyle's Axis of Evil **** Underbelly A comedy entitled 'Axis of Evil' might have delivered an endless stream of satirical lefty critiques on the War on Terror or third world poverty - indeed, there are nods in this direction. "I always buy Nestle products - they kill babies, you see. They need the extra space for all their percolators." Racism and religion are also explored, but this show is at its best when depicting the 'evil' in the family arena. A recurring skit featuring a hideously dysfunctional heterosexual couple expecting their first child is frightening, frequently hilarious and all too real - the hate/love switch at the heart of their relationship is expertly depicted. This isn't simply hetero-bashing from the openly gay Doyle, it's a well-observed critique of the destructive nature of relationships in general. Unlike their less successful previews, which occasionally seemed a bit inaccessible, Christie and Doyle now involve the audience from the outset, meaning that everyone is relaxed enough to explore their darker sides. I've seen the show twice, and it's definitely developed along the right lines, which is surely what the fringe is all about. Sketches have been tweaked and prodded into shape. It was a potentially lame beast that has grown new legs. The end result is a must-see show from two of the country's best up-and-coming writer/comedians. Christine Jorgensen Reveals **** Assembly Rooms In the 1950s Christine Jorgensen was the most famous woman in the US because she used to be a man. After the Second World War, Jorgensen discharged himself from the army and travelled to Denmark to undergo a sexchange operation. To her great surprise, she was met by a media circus on her return as she stepped off the plane at New York's Idlewild Airport. It was said that she was the most written about person in the world, but amazingly only one recorded interview with her still exists. This sound recording has been digitally remastered and enhanced and is the basis of Christine Jorgensen Reveals. Bradford Louryk brings Jorgensen to life with elegant mannerisms, and some perfect lip-synching. Her interviewer, known only as Mr Russell, appears in the corner on a black and white TV set. Jorgensen was clearly a funny and intelligent woman, who was more than a match for Russell as she casually, almost whimsically, debunked myths surrounding gender and identity. The capacity audience was enthralled. Highly recommended. Colin and Fergus *** Pleasance Colin and Fergus are a traditional comedy double act and that is no bad thing. They occasionally like to kick about a bit of postmodern sketch deconstruction, but they work best when they are delivering gags. What is refreshing however is the way they play with the sexuality element in their act - adding to all the 'are they/aren't they' speculation about the pair. At one point they make a deliberately totally preposterous serenade to a women in the front row of the audience, apparently to prove that they are both straight - only to end up kissing each other. To sum up, Colin and Fergus are a cute pair of talented comics with more than a wee dose of homo-innuendo. Craig Hill's Got the Ballroom **** Assembly Rooms Year on year, Craig's show gets better and better and better, so it's only fitting that he should be given the Ballroom at the Ass Rooms this year. There is no one better at comic interaction with an audience than Craig - there is no gimmick or hook, the show is about Craig and the punters who flock to him in droves. There were a number of people who actually wanted to sit in the front row so Craig could pick on them. He also has a terrific singing voice, with some lovely, if unsubtle comic verse. My only minor quibble is that I wanted to hear more of it. Dark Horse, Indiana ** Pleasance Dark Horse, Indiana, was conceived as a satirical response to George W Bush's assault on civil liberties and on gay rights in particular. But in Dark Horse it is the heterosexuals who are labelled Sexually Immoral Degenerates of America by the homosexual majority. At its heart this piece is terrific idea, but it's almost totally ruined by its dreadfully over-preachy execution. There is very little actual drama here. Eric Barry's script lacks subtly or characterisation. The Orwellian elements occasionally do hit their target. The use of fear to control the majority and thus persecute a minority is well depicted. But what we are left with is a series of overlong monologues from shouting Americans. David Benson's Conspiracy Cabaret ***** Assembly Rooms David Benson has never, to my knowledge, fronted a bad show. His Edinburgh debut in 1996 on Kenneth Williams rightly earned him a Fringe First, and the standard has since never slipped. This year's show, Conspiracy Cabaret, explores Diana's death, the World Trade Centre attacks, Benson's homosexuality, the US neo cons, David Icke, God (the non existence of), lizard people and more. Benson tackles difficult subjects with immense charm and wit - there is always a friendly, if slightly mischievous glint in his eye. Expertly researched - this professionally produced show, with original and grand musical numbers that occasionally drop into a wonderfully intelligent, hilarious narrative - has everything. David Benson's best Fringe show yet - and that's saying something. Dogg's Hamlet, Cahoot MacBeth* Rocket "Brick!" yells an actor. "Cube!" answers another. "Haddock", and then "Priest" followed by a lot of "Slab". This isn't English, this is Tom Stoppard's language of Dogg. The script seeks to explore the possibilities of wordplay and the way that language can both limit and free us. Sadly this production conveys none of that. In a script as complicated as this, we really need professionals - or at least some far tighter direction. To be fair, there are some lively performances from the young cast, some of whom show great potential, but this is ruined when the policeman - easily the most irritating character I have seen on any stage this festival, blusters on and on and on.... And when the Shakespeare element commenced it got even worse. Dog's breakfast is too easy to write - but that is what this sorry excuse for a production is. I actually left the theatre feeling angry. Forbidden *** Holyrood Tavern Close to the bone and not afraid, as your mum might put it, of using bad language, Forbidden takes us on a journey with a devil. Tom Papitto is an actor/writer from Southern California, who uses his phenomenal stage presence to lecture us on a race, religion, sex and politics. "Both vital and taboo," he says, "controversy reaffirms life." Tom's website states, "The modern perimeter of theatre is trite and obvious. We know the endings of the classics. What's the solution? Silly concepts that feel they're being innovative? What's left? Your belief system is your prison. That which you're afraid of should be unleashed. Let us be scared by theatre, and compelled to think. Somewhere between religions/ideologies and political correctness lies the truth. Or at least let us explore the conflicts. See the show you need to see." I'm not going to argue with him. Hedwig and the Angry Inch ***** Greenside The premise is just tremendous. A young man escapes from East Germany during the Cold War by undergoing a sexchange operation and marrying an American called Luther. Just one snag - the penectomy is botched, leaving poor Hedwig with only "an angry inch" to play with. This is a punk revision of John Cameron Mitchell's classic, a concert with a strangely poignant narrative, based largely on Plato's philosophy of the origin of love from his "Symposium". The band members have an infectious energy, with standout performances from the brilliant Lydia Wilson as Yitzhak (Hedwig in certain shows), and the somewhat arousing James Traer VI on the bass. Joe Swarbrick transfixes the audience as the title role, with his bittersweet rantings and phenomenal singing voice. He adds witty asides and audience interaction to Mitchell's original script, and has interpreted Hedwig as at once confrontational and vulnerable, one moment weeping into his microphone, the next spitting water onto the front row in an affectionate gesture to the traditions of heavy metal. Just one word of warning - don't leave your mobile phone switched on. Holly's Hot Spot ***** C Chambers St Holly is a classic jazz singer with a twist, reminiscent perhaps of Liza Minnelli in Cabaret, but with a style which is all her own. And a wonderful voice. You'll close your eyes during one of her ballads and drift away to a wonderful place. More upbeat numbers had the whole audience foot-tapping and cheering. But if she excels as a 'straight' jazz singer, and she does, her quirky, cheeky banter really hits the hot spot. She can master an audience like a great stand up comedian. Her unscripted(?) asides convey a real feeling of sensual, vulnerable danger. Her upbeat play is as much fun as you can expect to see at any festival show. Go see her now - then buy the CD. Holly is going to be huge! Kiki and Herb **** Pleasance Much of the wild and spontaneous whooping and applause during this performance came from Kiki and Herb's fellow New Yorkers in the audience - because they got all the jokes. North American cultural references abound, and when large sections of an audience start feeling like they're missing out, a show could be in trouble. Thankfully, Kiki and Herb make up for this with a brilliant show with some truly terrific narrative, Kiki really is some bitch, whilst Herb thrashes away at the piano, continuously for the whole hour, trying to keep up with, and occasionally getting ahead of, her latest aural lampoon. There is so much here that's a real delight. Stories of how they met as preteens in a state institution with Herb getting bullied by homophobes and Kiki's fag-haggy protection/ obsession with him hit the mark. Kiki's utter hatred for George W and the neocons is stunningly harsh and totally appropriate. Most of the musical numbers features bitchy remakes of familiar songs. It's all there, and more, with volume. La Clique ***** Spiegel Garden This is quite, quite brilliant! An exhilarating, fast-paced, sledgehammer of a show. The Caesar Twins, now stripped to the waist (the way we like them), contort their bodies into shapes that would make MC Escher cringe with envy. There are roller-bladers who throw each other around like rag-dolls, a trapeze artist with the malleability of a pipe-cleaner but the strength of Vin Diesel, a semi- Spanish semi-cockney singer who slips from one dialect to the other almost imperceptibly. Oh, and there's a woman who pulls her handkerchief out of her own vagina. Fun for all the family. Lost and Lonely Rebels *** Underbelly Three talented funny young men - Humphrey Ker, Stuart Murphy and the critically acclaimed Miles Jupp - perform in a brand new sketch show, blending sure-fire gags with no-nonsense observational humour. Make no mistake, this is not the Miles Jupp show with guests; Ker and Murphy are easily his equal in terms of their performance skills. As a team, they work exceptionally well together, producing a slick and original hour of comedy. My main gripe is that the conceit of dancing through the set changes becomes monotonous, and what might have been an off-beat and creative interlude is ruined through repetition. Nevertheless, the show is worth checking out, and it's a fine testament to The Stand comedy club, who have supported these lost and lonely rebels. Night of a Thousand Jay Ashtons **** C Chambers St The best show about Bucks Fizz on the fringe. The camp soundtrack forms the backbone to this show, enabling the bejewelled and bearded group to romp about the stage with grace and vigour. Hilarious and high-energy radical drag - the kind show your mother warned you about. Go see. The Pitchfork Disney **** Rocket About Turn are a company who deserve a longer run with Pitchfork Disney. The standard of acting in particular is very well maintained throughout. The show begins with two young people who seem to sustain themselves on a diet of chocolate, pills and dreams. They have been alone since their parents disappeared years ago. They permit two very odd strangers to invade their domain. This is a very verbal show, and the extended dream descriptions mean that it would work well on radio - listen to this in a darkened room and then try to go to sleep! One of the dreams involves the male dreamer being masturbated by a shopboy who is then violently murdered by the "monster" - a clear case of the dreamer destroying a part of himself that he cannot accept. The ending seems a little too upbeat - it could have been far nastier, but it is a compelling piece emerging from a strong and muscular imagination. Rap Canterbury Tales **** 'C' Chambers Street Return of the cult fringe hit of 2004. The notion of the so-called "father of English literature" being transformed into a oneman rap show might cause many purists to baulk and choke on their lobster thermadore, but there's something so appropriate about this marriage of hip-hop and middle-English poetry. Bearing in mind that Chaucer's poetry was intended to be read aloud, and has a distinctive rhythmic quality, the concept underlying this show is not so farfetched. Baba Brinkman, an accomplished rapper in his own right, performs his versions of three of the Canterbury Tales; those of the Miller, the Pardoner, and the Wife of Bath. He brings a different style of rap to each, much like Chaucer's use of alternative voices for each story. This is a well-informed and intelligent piece of work, which appeals to a wide audience. Be you an Oxbridge don in a dodgy Crimplene suit, or a Kappa-clad teenager in a souped-up Nova, this one's for you. Romeo and Juliet ** The Rocket In my six years of reviewing the Fringe and plays for ScotsGay, I have never walked out during a performance. I've seen some utter tripe in my time, but to leave early is rude and unfair. How does one review a show if one doesn't stay till the end? The best you can hope for is that whoever is on stage realises that they are wasting everybody's time and simply stops. So apologies to those involved in About Turn's version of Romeo and Juliet, but the play did start late and I had another show to go on to. I saw the production up to the point when the Priest comes up with a plot to get Juliet and Romeo back together again after Romeo's exiled for the killing of Tybalt. From what I saw, this version of Shakespeare's play wasn't awful, but there were too many missing characters and clumsily chainsawed lines. It's absolutely fine to mess around with a classic but you must treat it with more respect than this. The English teacher sitting next to me shook his head and groaned all the way through until his own early exit. Sister Myotis: Southern-Fried and Sanctified *** 'C' Chambers Street Right wing US Southern Christians are an easy target, but that doesn't mean that poking them with a stick isn't a lot of fun. The audience finds themselves in a meeting of the "honey-bees", a femaleonly group of happy-clappy, rootin'- tootin', Bible-bashin' Christian gals. There's a lot of fun to be had in implicating the audience so directly in the show, and writer/performer Steve Swift is remarkable as the larger-than-life Sister Myotis. His script is peppered with oneliners, and cleverly intimates the dangers of fundamentalist Christianity without losing his sense of joviality. The trouble is that the show runs out of steam after about twenty minutes. The seeds are there for a terrific night's entertainment, but the show doesn't quite do justice to the ideas. It's a jolly ol' journey without a destination. Some Explicit Polaroids **** Underbelly Caves If you liked "Shopping and Fucking", you'll probably love this. The usual Ravenhill themes are all present and correct - abuse, loneliness, revenge, desperation, isolation. But fret not, you won't emerge from the auditorium looking for the nearest precipice from which to throw yourself. There's a lightness of touch that produces some incongruously funny moments. Characters from a variety of dysfunctional backgrounds are thrown together - a French rent boy, an ambitious New Labour councillor, a Marxist ex-con - and a series of confrontational set-pieces ensue. The performances are uniformly excellent, and the direction is tighter than a Jean-Paul Gaultier sailor vest. The death of scenequeen Tim provides a point of focus for the disparate personalities, and we catch a temporary glimmer of hope. Like Ravenhill's West End hit "Mother Clap's Molly House", the final image is that of the characters dancing together in a night club. As anyone who has been to CC Blooms will tell you, there is a sadness at the heart of disco (as well as the occasional sweaty armpit in the face), but in Ravenhill's vision this becomes explicit. Growling Monkey's production is brash, powerful, and shockingly relevant. Plus all the money they raise will go to an AIDS charity, so even if it's not your cup of chai there are worse ways to spend your money. Sue Perkins **** Pleasance This show is an out-and-out success, with the emphasis being on the word "out". For the first time in her career, Sue is more openly introspective (if that's not an oxymoron) about her sexual orientation. It's a refreshing venture, and one that does justice to her talents. She has a comedic instinct that would engage a wide-range of punters, and her quips are unfailingly intelligent and incisive. More to the point, this show is laugh-out-loud funny. There is an absurdist quality to her turn of phrase, but it is when she focuses on the anecdotal that she really hits the spot. It's an edgier show than you'd expect from someone who has starred in a Kingsmill advert, but still lacking the kind of bite you'd see from the likes of Stewart Lee. Expect all the goodness of a fine loaf with the crusts trimmed off. A Swell Party *** Augustine's A musical biography of Cole Porter incorporating over twenty of his classic songs can't really go wrong. His music is genre-defining, and his lyrical prowess rivals the wit of Noel Coward or Neil Tennant. Chris MacDonnell is astounding in the lead role, and if ever in need of a few bob could be employed as a lookielikie for Robert de Niro. He doesn't try to impersonate Porter, and is all the better for it. He has a resounding individual voice, and an admirable sensitivity to the nuances of the lyrics. Despite a few uneven performances, the cast are generally strong. Philip Giorgi and Wendy Killian are perfect in their varying roles, and support their lead with generosity and class. Worth a look, especially if you're a Porter aficionado. Topping and Butch ***** Pleasance Last year they stormed Edinburgh with the best show on the Fringe. But in 2005 their show is even better! As usual, their opener is the song "Never Mind", the lyrics of which change day-by-day in accordance with the world's events. We are treated to satirical reflections on the London suicide bombings, the Royal Wedding, and that renowned raconteur George W Bush. Topping & Butch are well ahead of their game, largely because they understand the true nature of satire. It's insufficient to simply mention the London bombings for shock value without having something to say. And to convey their caustic perceptions through the medium of whimsical tunes is even better. Despite their trademark lipstick-red S&M rubberwear, this pair has a camp charm that is accessible to all. They chat amongst themselves and involve the audience in a warm and unthreatening manner. But if you're after something more extreme, check out their late night show "Filth!" at the Underbelly. Witty, acerbic, and above all bloody funny. And there is so much more, how about... Stewart Lee at the Underbelly, Out on the Fringe at Augustine's, Wilde by Name at Diverse Attractions, The Laramie Project at the Church Hill Theatre and at the Zoo, Bruce Devlin at the Stand, Out of the Corset at Greenside, Six Degrees of Separation at Roman Eagle Lodge, Lipstick Sherlock Holmes at Greyfriars Kirk house, Kit and the Widow at the Royal Academy and Corpus Christi (and countless other shows) at the wonderful 'C' venues. Have a terrific festival, and do say hello if you see me loitering around a bar in need of some company. Thanks to Phil, Stephen and Jess. TONY CHALLIS'S FRINGE Birth of the Cool ***** Gilded Balloon A very different celebration of a way of life came with Birth of Cool. This takes us back to the 50s, to the beginning of rebellious counter-culture, and to the Beats. To Paul Cutlan's evocative music, with references to Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, a past world is conjured up. This is the world of Jack Kerouac's "On the Road", of Burroughs, Ferlinghetti, and starting with some of Allen Ginsberg's "Howl". John Turnbull gives a stunning performance as the voice of the Beats, reciting from the works, singing, and telling the life-stories, warts and all. It's difficult to comprehend now how bravely this group stood against the mainstream, and the courage of someone like Ginsberg being openly and publicly gay at the time of McCarthyism. Cutlan, Fabian Hevia and Steve Arie provide an intensely evocative musical environment. Remember - power and pleasure lie in kissing ass -and get your ass on down to the Gilded Balloon while tickets are still available. Desperately Seeking Sorrow * Holyrood Tavern Danny Worthington and Johnny Sorrow presented this two-man show to a very select audience, and we two reviewers felt quite privileged. Some of the jokes were quite cringeworthy, and Danny especially had to pause to collect his thoughts at several points. Johnny had a much smoother patter, but he needed someone to rewrite his script. Danny's talk about coming out as gay was rather sympathetic, but I really couldn't recommend this as a good use of anyone's time. Faultless and Torrance Take their Face/Off ** Gilded Balloon The two members of the Jakki Moore company have jumped on the bandwagon of bombs and fear, and add to this a change of identity between them. The bomb goes missing and we are perhaps meant to feel a frisson concerning it's whereabouts. The change of identity involves some scuffling behind a screen. Heigh ho. There were people in the audience who were in stitches, but I did not find it nearly as engaging as their show of last year. I could barely raise a titter. Immaculate **** Gilded Balloon Oliver Lansley's Immaculate imagines a modern lass who discovers herself to be six months pregnant a year after she last had sex. In comes a guy who looks very like William Golding - But, he is no Lord of the Flies, indeed, he is an Angel Gabriel who clearly has no control over God's flies! Being a modern lass, on being told that her foetus is "one of ours - a divine " there is no enraptured acceptance, but rather an angry reaction to her body being used without her permission. Her "ex", an old flame, her female friend who hates babies and an extremely camp Lucifer who lays claim to the child all add to the stew. This is a most entertaining and thought-provoking comedy, full of great lines and where the timing is excellent. Highly recommended. Minor Irritations **** Pleasance Sam Peter Jackson's play is an extremely entertaining comedy about Ben, an aspiring actor doing various fill-in jobs, his friends in London, and his decision to visit his ex in New York, where new possibilities emerge. There are many excellent comic moments. Ben is very good at avoiding opportunities that are thrown at him like gauntlets. One of the best things is the unforced and extremely natural behaviour of the cast regarding gay life, (unlike some Fringe Shows I could mention - "Dark Horse Indiana" comes to mind, which seemed to be all careful posing and rhetoric.) Nick White and Charlie Tighe move between various parts very effectively, and Dulcie Lewis displays great comic presence and character. Sam Peter Jackson's first play is a delight, and I await his next with eager anticipation. Pam Ann: Flying High * Pleasance Courtyard Big crowd, everyone laughing. But I couldn't raise a titter. Maybe it's because I cannot stand the kind of TV shows where people make complete arses of themselves just so that they can be on the screen. And there are plenty of shows I have laughed my head off at this past week or so. I just found the opening jokes about air crashes too obvious. Then when we were divided into business, economy etc I thought this was just emphasising the obvious fact that money talks when you travel. But, the audience were so keen on it! - even when a guy from the front was taken through the " spiral staircase" and to the empty back rows of "economy minus". If I thought I detected a sneer in Pam Ann's tone, this was surely justified. She could sit back and have gaps when nothing was really happening in the knowledge that the audience would sit with glazed smiles for as long as it took, basking simply in her presence. They had come out to be mildly abused by a "celebrity", and they were determined to enjoy the experience. Even if the jokes were few and obvious. Even if two little girls in the front row were told they were going to be taken and sold into slavery. Even if we were asked to laugh at the noise we heard when a microphone was placed over fizzing champagne. Sorry. Not for me. TONY CHALLIS AT THE BOOK FESTIVAL The Book Festival opened on Saturday 13 August with a reading by the famous poet, Carol Ann Duffy. This included some engrossing flights of fancy, of which my favourite was "The Diet," in which a dieter is reduced to the size of a thimble, and she ends up inside the gut of a fat woman (Better as poem!) There was also the well known from Mrs Tiresias in which the protagonist, having been changed into a woman, demands 12 weeks a year paid menstrual leave. And there was a poem about alternative love. Carol Ann Duffy promised to get "steamy" in her afternoon reading, but this was first thing in the morning. That evening saw Michael Cunningham speak and read from his new novel, "Specimen Days". His earlier novels, "A Home at the End of the World" and "The Hours" are well known and have been filmed. "Specimen Days" consists of three linked stories, one set in mid-19th century New York, one in the (post-9/11) present and one in a far future. All contain characters who are greatly influenced by and tend to quote from the homoerotic poet Walt Whitman. This is a very unusual and richly written novel. When questioned about the sexuality of his characters, Michael Cunningham said that the available labels - gay, straight, bi, transgender, etc were inadequate boxes and labels. He said that he sought to find the idiosyncrasy of his characters, and that his own situation as a gay man in a relationship was only one of a mass of possibilities. Later Dermot Bolger read from his new novel, The Family on Paradise Pier, a complex story of members of a family who are involved in many of the crucial events of the first half of the 20th century. One of his earlier novels, "The Valparaiso Voyage" is highly regarded, and includes affecting scenes of the relationship between a young gay man and his estranged father. Bolger is one of the most interesting of contemporary Irish writers. The following are of special interest: Edmund White. Fri 26th Aug 11.30 - An autobiographical hour with a famous and charming gay author. Val McDermid. Fri 26th Aug. 18.30 - A famous Scottish writer of thrillers. David Starkey. Fri 26th Aug 20.00 - The historian made famous by television. Hey, why not make a day of it?! LAURA MCGRATH'S FRINGE Jason Byrne Assembly Rooms Always a festival favourite Jason Byrne didn't disappoint at this year's festival. He bounced onto the stage behind a dancer and began his wonderful mix of improvisation and gags like the professional he is. A regular at the Fringe he returns this year with The Lovely Goat show complete with professional dancers who only add to the excellent entertainment on offer. He has jokes about everything from his kid to people in the audience and anyone who gets up to leave for the toilet is quickly made fun of and becomes part of the show. Tonight he picked on a sixteen year old to pull onto his stage and made jokes about being young and excitable around someone you fancy. It is due to his great improvisational skills that you're bound to see a slightly different show every night. He sells out the big theatre at The Assembly Rooms fast so book early, it's a show not to be missed. NUN THE WISER'S FRINGE Dirty Fan Male, Gilded Ballon, 18:45 The premise of this show is remarkably simple: you end up collecting the fan mail sent to your sisters pornstar fanclub, as well as the letters sent to the other dozen odd fanclubs she runs for other Daily Sport girls, how do you present this material when your first venture of a CD doesn't take off? You do a Fringe show with an actor with an incredible vocal range. This is possibly the only show that can come back after a full year at last years Fringe with completely new material due to the amount of letters some of the 'serial' correspondents wrote. The one thing that seems to keep re-appearing though is the lonely heterosexual fantasy of watching Page 3 girls defecate. Robert Newman: Apocalypso Now, Bongo Club World War One was started by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914 in Sarajevo. Wrong. Rob explains how Iraq's oil was the real reason. May include Wordsworth, spies, and the shattering of everything you learnt in History. Oh, and if you're really lucky the most accurate impersonation of Johnny Rotten ever seen on a live stage. MARTIN POWELL'S FRINGE Pip Utton, Bacon, Pleasance Courtyard ***** Pip Utton does it again. My main problem with this show was that I know so little of the life of Francis Bacon that I was unable to judge the extent to which this was a recreation of his life and to what extent conjecture, but let's ignore that. This is a masterpiece. Bravely set in the present time, after Bacon's death in 1992, it tells of his life from his birth in Dublin. It focuses early on with his sex life and the men with whom he fucked. It moves on to tell his life story and of his painting. Much is made of the representation of an image on canvas and the equivalent photographic image, which Utton brilliantly illustrates by coming out of and going back into character. We learn of a sad old queen who thinks his life has been a disaster. A sad tale about a great painter. Oh, and I'm told, but have not yet seen, that the exhibition of Bacon's paintings currently on in Edinburgh is excellent. Peter Reder, Guided Tour, Traverse 5 (McEwan Hall) *** The title suggested we were going to get a tour of the underground passages of a prominent but little known building. It turned out to be far more than this. It resonated with me because of a local history project I am involved in. Why was it built? Why did an uneducated beer tycoon finance it? What was there before? Why do we regard the written record as more trustworthy than the oral history? We move on to the history of Reder's family and what is truth and fiction. We end up with a 10 minute film that added nothing for me. One audience member was heard to say on leaving "I'm sure it would have been more interesting if we had all got together and talked about the building". It would certainly have been different. Breath[e], Traverse 7 ** Well when you go to see "a play without words or actors" you expect something different. We got it. 35 minutes of a smoke machine, sounds, and lighting design. I think what they were trying to convey was how we assemble the data that hit our senses and try to form a coherent picture out of what we encounter. However it told me no story. At the end there was a stunned silence. Not a good sign. The Riot Group, Switch Triptych, Assembly Rooms **** This is probably the only publication reviewing the Fringe whose Editor used to have a fully functioning Strowger telephone exchange standing in his hall, so this story about the mechanisation of phones had an extra interest for me. I remember The Riot Group playing in The Garage's second space, which held about 20. This was staged in the Assembly's Ballroom, one of the largest Fringe venues. However that wasn't the only thing about this show that was larger, from the set to the breadth of issues covered it was bigger. Like all Riot Group shows the words are delivered at a fierce rate of knots and there is so much delivered that I expect many will see the play in different ways. One problem was that some of it is delivered over headsets with the actors facing away from the audience and the PA system was not up to it. The action supposedly takes place in a 1919 New York manual phone exchange on the eve of automation but it could just as easily be set in the 1990s as lots of jobs were replaced by call centres or in 2005 when call centres are outsourced to India. Initially I couldn't see where it was going but I think we were just meant to get to dislike the characters. About halfway through it came alive as we begin to understand them as fallible human beings. We all have our down sides but we are all people and if we forget that we all lose. It goes on to discuss the nature of progress and the treatment of capitalism as a religion. Over 30 years ago Ted Heath condemned a company as "an unpleasant and unacceptable face of capitalism", I doubt any politician would dare to utter such words today about a lawful yet wrong behaviour. It is to the author Adriano Shaplin's credit that as ever he is prepared to challenge orthodoxy. However he also covers the individual as opposed to the organisation, how we relate to each other, and a bit of sexual and industrial politics as well. And this is my main problem with it, I think he tries to cover too much. However this is a major play that is well worth seeing. Some shows you see and forget, some you sort of say "yes", and some you see you just can't forget and keep going back to and thinking about them. This is definitely in the last category. Initially I thought my star rating might have been too generous. I now think I may have been too mean. The Editor adds: This play has caused some comment on the Strowger Yahoogroup - "Someone didn't do their research. Bell Atlantic was NOT the telephone company in NY City at the time of automation, BA existed after the breakup of the Bell System, which was several DECADES after the time period of this story. Also the headset worn by the actress is the ubiquitous Type 52, also a product of a later decade than 1919." Traverse Theatre Company, East Coast Chicken Supper, Traverse 1 *** In this new play by Martin J Taylor Gibb (Garry Collins) has just returned to a small Fife town having disappeared without notice for a year. His friends Fred (Paul Rattray) and Stew (Paul Blair) have carried on with their business as drug dealers. We follow them through a period of less than 24 hours and see what emerges. A witty play with plenty of action it is OK but really doesn't go anywhere and at the conclusion more or less stops rather than ends. An enjoyable play with the standard of acting you expect from The Traverse but it held no wow factor for me. Volcano Theatre Company, My Pyramids, or How I got Fired from the Dairy Queen, and Ended Up in Abu Ghraib by Private Lynndie England, Traverse 1 **** No not the Volcano from Swansea this lot are from Toronto. For those who have forgotten Lynndie England was the one pictured in the camp with the thumbs up and a naked man on a dog leash. In this new play by Judith Thompson we follow her fictionalised attitudes from that time to her trial. I was reminded of George Orwell's description of Neville Chamberlain "A man doing his best through his own rather dim lights". It tells of a woman with 65,000 Google hits who is ridiculed but thinks of herself as a hero who in time will be welcomed back by the USA. It points at a mindset that sees others as sub-human terrorists and therefore without rights. Unlike the master race looking after them, and we all know where that leads. A chilling vision of where things could lead and a superb solo performance by Waneta Storms. Macbeth The Hour, Cambridge University ADC, C Chambers St ** Well the last Macbeth I saw was by Northern Broadsides so this company had a lot to live up to. Did they come close? No, but then I hardly expected them to. A radical reworking of the Scottish play lasting exactly 60 minutes. I had no problems with the weird sisters being portrayed as orgasmic lesbians. I did have a problem with part of the dialogue being delivered more like a horse racing commentary in order to fit it all in - a dramatic pause is just that. I do wonder whether anyone unfamiliar with the play would have understood it. As to the acting, other than Lady Macbeth (?) I'd advise the rest of the cast to look for a day job after graduating. The question mark above is because I've no idea who played the part and nor does the company's press release tell me. In fact if I'd read the press release before seeing the show I wouldn't have touched it with a barge pole. So the company also need to work on the publicity front. Trestle Theatre Company, Beyond Midnight, Pleasance Courtyard ** Cinderella is dead, her husband must remarry, who does the slipper now fit? No other than their daughter Princess Amanda. A dark tale about incest? No, the princess runs away and takes menial jobs until she finds a prince who will have her, and it appears only a prince will do. Is that it? Basically yes. Quite frankly if Trestle had brought their acting talents to a straight production of Cinderella it would have been more interesting. We got the half and full masks, the puppets, and the music we expect from Trestle all delivered expertly, but very little else. Tabula Rasa Theatre, The Importance of being Turbann'd, C Chambers St **** Forget Oscar Wilde, more Brian Rix. I'm not sure why the Sikh grandfather was in a kilt but C Venues have a thing about kilts. This is a witty farce about an arranged marriage. Like the best April fool stories it leads you step by step from one improbable event to the next, each one perfectly plausible at the time but on reflection the whole is totally unbelievable. This shows the quality of the writing. I thought this a typically British show so was amazed to find the author Jaspreet Singh Boparai is a Canadian Punjabi Catholic. An excellent evening's entertainment. Do Theatre, Sleep...less...ness, Aurora Nova **** There are some shows that are just a joy to watch and this was one of them. The sheer professionalism and the way it was constructed was brilliant. Which given I don't have any idea what it was about is quite a statement. There is the title, but other than a bed on stage and the occasional use of pillows there was little to relate it to the title, but who cares? Five superb dancers perform this piece choreographed by Evgeny Kozlov that ranged from Irish music through women as pieces of meat, and all of us on public transport as pieces of meat, to a stage full of oranges, and onto chamber pots. Yes it sounds bizarre but works, as does the pillows as penises for the masturbation scene. I normally hate dance with no music. This featured a long scene with a bed and no music. It wasn't until the music resumed that I realised it had gone away. Fucking brilliant. Bob Kingdom, Laurel & Laurel, Assembly Rooms *** Bob Kingdom looked the part and for the most part sounded it, although occasionally the lilt of the Welsh valleys seemed more prominent than one would expect from someone who originated from Ulverston. It sort of told his life story but there seemed too little about his life and his relationship with his partner Oliver Hardy. Like many comedians he appears to have been a sad man. He was married 8 times to 4 women and sailed to America on the same ship as Charlie Chaplin. But what was he really like? I suspect we will never know. New Writing North, We Love You Arthur, Assembly Rooms ***** OK, I went to see it because it seemed so bizarre. Two teenage girls in love with Arthur Scargill, but this was more media hype than substance. True, it starts with two 14-15 year olds at the time of the miners' strike with a crush on Arthur Scargill. It re-evoked those times. I had almost forgotten about the "Coal not Dole" stickers. However what develops is a serious yet very witty insight into a Durham miner's family at the time of the strike. A superb piece of theatre that doesn't take itself too seriously, yet manages to encompass the strike, the breakdown of communities, life, death, and the ups and downs we all face. Make no mistake Fiona Evans is a new writer to look out for. I look forward to seeing more of her work. Oh, and the joke about the dogs shagging is brilliant - and I won't give it away. Go see. Brian Longwell, Why Work?, Smirnoff Baby Belly ** Forget slick Powerpoint presentations. Brian Longwell is a management guru still living in the age of overhead projector presentations. And naff ones at that, and that is the main joke. The first time I saw Longwell it worked really well. This time I was less sure. That the show had to be concluded with a couple of sketches including other actors made me think he really didn't have enough material. I think the idea has merit, a satire on slick presentations, and could work well in the future but this one didn't do it for me. New String Theatre Company, The Wrong Man, Pleasance Dome ***** It's not every day even at the Edinburgh Fringe that one gets a play written by a former IRA activist, Danny Morrison, but boy can he write. It starts off with a Catholic being kidnapped in Belfast. Is he the wrong man? I thought that was going to be the gist of the play, but no, perhaps I was the wrong man. What develops in this superb play is a powerful story about power, truth and lies, and what it is legitimate to do to extract information. Not just by organisations but in human relationships. How honest we are, who can we trust and whose fault is it when things go wrong. Quite a lot to cover in 70 minutes but mastered effortlessly by this superb company. One of the most powerful and thought provoking shows you are likely to see on the Fringe. I look forward to seeing Danny Morrison's next play. Writers of this quality do not come along very often. Peepolykus, All in the Timing, Assembly Rooms *** One is never quite sure what to expect from this lot, or indeed who they will be. This latter issue seems to have gone away and we are this year yet again presented with David Sant, Javier Marzan, and John Nicholson. This year we got a sketch show in six parts. Part 1 consisted of 3 chimps with typewriters trying to write Hamlet and complaining they didn't have laptops. Part 2 was great, a conversation in real life where you've said the wrong thing but can take a second take. I initially thought part 4 where Trotsky appears on stage with an ice pick in his head showed a lack of research only to find that was part of the joke. A witty light hearted show in the afternoon. Bring on next year's show. I'll be there. Jo Stromgren Kompani, The Hospital, Aurora Nova **** I have never before had a problem in categorising something as dance or physical theatre. I've no idea how to class this. There are sections that can only be thought of as dance and others that are in no way dance yet the piece flows beautifully between the two. You can tell how good it is by the fact that most of the dialogue provided by this Norwegian company is not in English but it doesn't matter. We are in a hospital with three nurses and no patients. A helicopter passes overhead, I assume we are in a war zone and they are waiting for casualties. A witty and manic tale unfolds. They may not need patients with each other, particularly after they open the drug cabinet and start sampling its contents. Different and superb. Kandinsky, Enola, Smirnoff Baby Belly ***** I thought this started weakly and anachronistically with a current US flag and a chilling speech from 1945 about legitimate targets in Japan, but this may have been deliberate to suggest that current events are just as chilling. Given certain other parts showed similar howlers I make no judgment. Enola Gay was the name given to the plane that dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima. It was named after the pilot's mother and was a name that was given to three generations of the family. This is a story of a bombing, a family, those who developed the bomb and their morality, and a community. It also takes a swipe at the Roman Catholic church and their apparent condemnation of the woman Enola Gay (who killed herself), and contrasts that with their relative silence about nuclear weapons. It is also a story of a Kansas town, a company town that built the B29 that dropped the bomb. OK some of the physics was decidedly shaky, as may have been some of the theology for all I know, but a great story well told by great actors in a dreadful venue where it was almost impossible to see much from where I was sitting. But it didn't matter. Well done. Rainpan 43, All Wear Bowlers, Aurora Nova ***** A lovely original and thoroughly witty show. If you think of the zany comedy of a Pig Iron show and the danger of rather more involvement from the audience than they wanted from an early Told by an Idiot show you sort of get the picture. Geoff Sobelle (who has worked with Pig Iron), and Trey Lyford have created a wonder. It starts with two men in bowlers appearing, with a nod in the direction of Laurel and Hardy, in a silent movie. Almost immediately our perceptions of the nature of cinema and live theatre are challenged as the actors leap off the edge of the screen and into the performance space. A series of great sketches that formed a wonderful mixture of clowning, mime, and conjuring tricks. Eggs seemed to feature prominently and there was a marvellous ventriloquist act - you'll believe a man is wooden. But then the "dummy" comes alive, threatens the audience, and morphs into King Kong. Truly great theatre. Ashley Page Rosie Kay Dance Company and The Curve Foundation, Dance Base *** A series of short pieces. CervaNtes was a solo piece danced by Christophe Carpentier and choreographed by Ana Lujan Sanchez. Danced with no music it was competent but uninspiring. This was followed by Savalliana. Another solo piece but one where the music added to the dance. We moved on to Refurbished Behaviour choreographed by Ashley Page of Scottish Ballet. Now we were really getting somewhere. Two excellent dancers, Diana Loosmore and Jarkko Lehmus, moving together with a balanced movement and an imaginative use of a chair. This was followed by Asylum by the Rosie Kay Dance Company. A dark piece about belonging and separation. Then it was back to another excellent piece Acrid Avid Jam again by Scottish Ballet. Colin Poole, Double Bill, Dance Base **** Two very different pieces. The Box Office was about urban living on a run down estate and was a solo piece ably danced by Poole. Bad Faith was about two people and their relationship. For a long time they never touch and seem to pay more attention on looking at the audience than each other which contrasts nicely with the clearly sexual nature of most of the dance. However this changes and gets about as explicit as it can for two people who keep their clothes on, in a hilarious parody of sex. Grid Iron, The Devil's Larder, Traverse 4 (Debenhams) ***** Can Grid Iron do a crap show? If so, this wasn't it. Wonderful as ever. A play based on the novel by Jim Crace about food and how we relate to it. The way the food industry provides work for the new migrant, hotel food, poisonous food, our tendency to store food we will never use, the essence of the dinner party, producing ones own food, food and sex, and much much more.As usual for Grid Iron a promenade. In this case through Debenhams. As you might expect, the acting is superb, the music sublime, and the design cannot be faulted. I've been thinking rather a lot about food recently as my fridge-freezer has stopped working so this work really struck a chord with me, and I can hardly blame Grid Iron for the state of my electrical appliances. State of the Art Productions, Beautiful Child, C Central *** A strange play by Nicky Silver where all of the characters have problems. Delia (Charlotte Brookes) is in love with Harry (Richard Weinman), who is married to Nan (Emily Murphy) who has never loved him. They have a son Isaac (Alex Eisenberg) who is an art teacher with a liking for 8 year old boys. There is also a psychologist (Julia Stidolph) who seems to need one. The parents decide they need to take some drastic action to do something about their son, which given that the mother has known about his desires for 3 years seemed utterly implausible. However it has its moments and the acting is quite good. FRINGE BUNNY In the true name of Fringe Bunny-ism I'm burrowing for gossip by writing this in a live show! Mark Watson is currently breaking records and boundaries doing 2005 minutes of stand up: a year a minute from Christ to now. Just to set your scene, I'm sitting just on stage tapping away with sound proof headphones on. Mark and I have the same deadline, Midnight, so it's encouraging to be here! Where better to bring up-tothe- minute fringe news from, than on stage? Anyway, enough about me. Now, I'm not one to gossip but Alan Carr and Brendon Burns are living together and sharing a little unhealthy competition. Referring to each other as Poofy and Shouty they are competing for Gay Points in the house. For instance baking will score a hundred points with 50 points added for every home made ingredient. Shagging a man will of course score 1000 points; however before you place your bets, the surprising current total sees Burns romping away with the lead. Having been baking like a demon he has secured extra Gay Points by snogging a boy in the kitchen "I just did it to shut him up, he was talking too much." Yes Brendon, we believe you. Carr says "I'm not doing well, I think I'll be on minus points by the end of the festival." So if you see him he needs help. With his baking that is. Burns has been getting up to his usual antics during Mark's 2005 Minutes show, so far he's challenged all the comedians in the room to a Trivial Pursuit Ashes, lost quite spectacularly and has paid the penalty by dousing his trousers in lighter fluid and setting fire to them. Trousers burnt to Ashes the comic was left in just his little tight pants. Mark has been going for 28 hours as I write, and in the small hours Brendon popped back (with new trousers) to lend some more support. Finding an audience member snoozing on the front row with his mouth open, he decided it was time for tea, and, straddling the unconscious boy's face, unleashed his particulars and dipped them into his gaping mouth! Enough Burns! Omid Dajlili has been helping members of the Young Pleasance get pissed. Ok before the defamation writs come flooding in, let me clarify. The great man was about to go on stage when he found himself caught short. He had no choice but to pee in a bottle, and once relieved he promptly forgot about it. Sharing his dressing room are the kids from Bus! The Musical (with Alex Moyet and Phoebe Eclaire who have famous mums, can you spot who?) one of the boys thought he'd guzzle an abandoned bottle of apple juice. Never again will that poor kid have a wee dram. Excuse me, I just had to leave my post on Mark's stage in order to storm Brendon Burns' show to commemorate the French revolution. I have already been interrupted to re-enact the Civil War outside and to have the Boston Tea party. And now I have just run onto Brendon's stage with 13 others dousing him in water and jeering. I thought it might be quite French and Revolutionary to strip him too. However I broke my nail on his belt. Some would say too enthusiastic? Those poor girlies from sell-out show Babooshka keep getting their panties pinched. Sponsored by Coco de Mer they were given ample supplies of undies to feature on stage but they have a panty raider in their midst. True, one of the cast has a topless scene every day - and it could be any one of them, a veritable breast lottery - but there are now more breasts than bras in the cast and now a pant-swapping regime has been enforced by writer and performer Kiki Kendrick - as there simply aren't enough undercrackers to go round. So if anyone finds this impish pant thief, tell them to stop the pinching, or we may all end up seeing more boosh than was intended in Babooshka. Ooh! Mark's show has finished in style with the ten minute standing ovation he so richly deserves. With appearances from amongst Timothy West, Daniel Kitson, Andrew Maxwell and almost Steven Berkoff - well we all went and sang at him in the bar because he wouldn't come on stage - Watson has broken records and left not a dry eye in the house having performed for 33 hours and 41 minutes. So, as if the Bunny's not tired, I've hopped over to Spank! You Love It just in time to see Phil Nicholl dressed as Billy Holiday singing a Queen medley blacked up in boot polish with boobs to rival Dolly. He took the Spank!ers by storm, only to close with gorgeous Steven K Amos removing him from the stage by snogging the pants off him. Nicholl's show 'Almost Gay' is inspired by a fight he once had with Scott Capurro where Scott accused Phil of being homophobic. Unlikely from what I've seen, Nicholl tells me "Steven's snog was a nine out of ten but only because we were in public." Which only leaves me to find out what rating I'd give Phil in private. As ever I have been your Fringe Bunny XX AKA Isabel Robinson Topping and Butch Interview Put simply, Topping and Butch are the UK's finest cabaret double act. ScotsGay predicts that the next twelve months will see them go absolutely huge. Martin Walker interrupts the hardworking and prolific Andrew 'Butch' Simmons Quote "Both ScotsGay and The Scotsman gave us 5 stars last year - there's a lot to live up to." So what have you been doing in the last 12 months since your total sell out 2004 Edinburgh shows? Sittin' on our arses! NO! Last year's Fringe was very successful and helped us in a number of ways. We'd never played any other Festivals before but this year we've already done Manchester, Leicester, Prague and in September we'll do Dublin. It's also helped secure the Radio 4 slots on Loose Ends and got us work on Channel 5 and the Paramount Comedy Channel. We're writing a lot more and often now the songs will be our own music as well as the lyrics. We have managed to work that in to the schedule and still be able to play loads of venues on the gay scene round the country. It also helped that both ScotsGay and the Scotsman gave us 5 stars for the show so there's been a lot to live up to. What should the audience expect from the show? What is the show about? The main show "A Lot to Take In" is a brand new hour of material from the last two shows, but will be in similar style. Half the show is comedy songs and half stand-up and banter. We like to get as much topical stuff into the show as possible so we'll be writing material right up to the time the curtain goes up at 9.20pm. So far this year, we've announced to unsuspecting audiences, the score of an England International and the news of the Pope's death that happened minutes before we went on - all in (tasteful) song form. Aside from that we have set performance numbers which this year will include a poke at the Royal Family, the joy of being thin, and a parody of yob culture in "Chav! - The Musical". You have two shows, "A Lot to Take In" and "Filth!" What's the difference? Maggie Bourgein who played the posh tea lady with a mucky mouth who held everything together in "Afternoon Tease" last year was brilliant so we're incorporating her into the main show. The "other" show is one we don't really talk about. It's at the Underbelly for 4 nights only and it's really for those who know us and want to see how far we push the envelope (so to speak). By the way, it's strictly not for children or critics - so if ScotsGay want to come - they'll have to buy a ticket - and no reviews!! Is it true that Dara O'Brien dispensed some prophetic advice to Butch whilst in a toilet? What did he say? When we first played Edinburgh in 2003 we had just started the run - I think we were still in previews - and I went for a waz in the Pleasance Dome. Dara walked into the urinals and stood beside me - glanced across - and said "How did the show go tonight?" and I said "Fine thank you, I've just finished" and pulled my zipper up. The giggle turned into a laugh and I'd like to think we had a moment. Ha ha ha. At the end of the run I asked Dara where he thought we should play next year and he named the theatre, the room and the time and - as if by magic - we got it. The same thing happened the next year, he's a bit of lucky charm, so we're performing where Dara tells us to in future... unless it's a cubicle. So how do you like Edinburgh? Been out on the gay scene? Fan of the city? This is the bit where we all say "Oh we LURVE Edinburgh" - isn't it, and you Scots take the piss cos we think we know it all but we only see it in the summer chaos. Topping and I visit a couple of times out of season and it does feel like a home from home (see, I just said what you want). Like any place it has its problems but we especially like the sense of humour people have here - it's wonderfully dry, the beauty of the architecture and the fact everything's so walkable. The gay scene's great but you have to ask where to go as a lot of the bigger nights are one-offs that visitors won't catch up with until week 2! Which other comedians do you like? On the fringe, Dara O'Brien, for his charm and wit, Jason Byrne for making an hour go by out of seemingly nothing, Paul Foot for linking subject matters that can have us in stitches, Pam Ann for her beautiful comic creation and Julia Morris for her observation which is downloaded in broadband (she talks so fast I reckon she thinks that breathing is a speech impediment). Is SPANK! The best night on the Fringe? This is our top tip. James and Leon the organizers of Spank! in London have recreated a night at the Underbelly, which is gay friendly in a way some of the late-night stand-up shows can never achieve. It's just basically a feel-good show but as well as male stand-ups, it includes some of the best character comedy you'll find on the Fringe as well as some more alternative acts that really make you feel like you've seen 10 shows in one. Topping and Butch - A Lot to Take In Pleasance Courtyard 21.20 from 3rd Aug Topping and Butch - Filth! Underbelly 00.45 on 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th Aug ----------------------------------------------------------------------- BOOK REVIEWS ============ by Dirk Kriete King Nicholas and the Copeman Empire By Nick Copeman Published by Ebury Press £10.99 British humour is alive and well and lives in a caravan park in Sheringham, Norfolk. Seldom have I had so much fun reading an autobiography, which essentially this book is. The author - an unemployed caravan dweller - decided to change his name by deed poll to HM King Nicholas and founded a new empire from his royal seat - a 4-berth trailer on the Beeston Regis Caravan Park. The whole thing started as a bit of a joke - he was dared by his best friend to sign on at Cromer Job Centre wearing a crown and on a horse - but by now I suspect it'll make him a little more money then he was getting on the dole. Apparently - or so his publisher claims - he sells peerages on the internet, although a thorough and comprehensive 5 minute session on Google would not confirm that fact and he blags as many corporate freebies as he can manage. He's become a bit of a legend in his own lunchtime and has appeared in the local press numerous times, but I somehow doubt whether the notoriously stiff upper lipped British royalty will be choking on their cucumber sandwiches this summer, when they learn that they have been joined by this unlikely new figurehead. If you fancy a bit of light relief this autumn then this is a book I can thoroughly recommend and do have a look at his website as well, you might end up renaming yourself Lord Toff of Toffsville, although your mates will probably just think you're sad, anyway. Wicked Erotic Tales of Legendary Lovers Edited by Mitzi Szereto Published by Cleis £ 9.99 Here's another book I thoroughly enjoyed, it's one of those you can just pick up and read one or two of the twenty one stories in a spare half an hour or so and leave feeling cheered up, sexed up, perplexed or any other of a whole gamut of emotions. The editor has brought together a playful and varied collection, not only gratifying curiosity about sex symbols like Marilyn Monroe, but exciting readers with the imaginary adventures of such unlikely figures as Toulouse Lautrec, Sigmund Freud...and God. The stories are funny, sexy, provocative, but never dull and I would definitely say that this book is a tenner well spent. Go on, treat yourself.... Deep Water - A Sailor's Passage By E.M. Kahn Published by Harrington Park Press £9.99 In the 70's, having spent several years hitch hiking back and forth in Europe and getting bored by the seemingly endless roads and the occasional gropes of horny, hairy truckers, I got invited to crew on a sailing yacht out on its way to the West Indies. I won't bore you with details, let's just say that because of youthful stupidity I never got as far as the West Indies but instead got stuck on the Rock of Gibraltar for a few months. While there though I learned an important fact of life, if you're determined you'll always be able to blag yourself into any situation you really want to be in and eventually I managed to blag myself another job on another yacht and consequently spent the most enjoyable year cruising the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. So when this book arrived I really looked forward to revisiting the places in my mind so long almost forgotten. It did that and much more though, much, much more. It moved me deeply with its true sense of the realities of a life under sail. The story has us navigating through Hell Gate in the East River and through dense fog in Cape Cod. But surprisingly, given my history, was the fact that this book illustrates the special bond between two men committed to one another as they sail together, live together and care for each other through the best and worst of times. The author allows us to share his two deep and profound passions - the love of wind filling sails and the love of one man for another. And even something I usually find a real turn off is handled with real sensitivity and the inane horror of AIDS becomes bearable in the words of this truly gifted writer. Third & Heaven By Ben Patrick Johnson Published by Alyson £9.99 I'm not sure about this book, to me it seemed very shallow and had more than its fair share of American TV culture about it. It's all about four friends that support each other during love, heartbreak and pain. Does it sound a bit like 'Friends' to you? It certainly did to me and I didn't warm to it one bit. Having said that, I recently made friends with a 20 something lad in America in a chat room who likes books, a bit of a novelty in itself, but he reckoned that this book was one of the best he had read in a while. Perhaps I should have asked what other books he had read, but somehow we had other things on our minds.... Deadline By Steven Cooper Published by Alyson £9.99 Now, just to show you that I'm not just on a downer about the writing capabilities of our friends on the other side of the pond, here's another book by an American writer I thoroughly enjoyed. In fact I got quite excited getting the new novel by Steven Cooper through the post, remembering the strange story of a dead drag queen providing answers in his first mystery, With You in Spirit, and an unruly penis directing the action in his second Saving Valencia. And I was not disappointed by this newest book by this talented and imaginative author. The unusual plot involves the investigative reporter Damon Fitzgerald who hot on the heels of the story of his career is strangled to death in his own apartment. But that proves to be of little hindrance to this plucky reporter and he sets out to solve his own murder from the confines of his own grave. Steven Cooper once again has shown in this book that he is the master of thrills, slapstick and the supernatural in equal measures to delight his readers. Cruise Control - Under-standing Sex Addiction in Gay Men By Robert Weiss Published by Alyson £10.99 Are you addicted to sex? Have you ever really thought about it or asked yourself that question? I certainly hadn't and didn't I was really quite surprised to find that some people see sex as something you can be addicted to. Isn't it just the normal sex drive that has us out in the bars every weekend, I hear you cry. Well, I quite agree, but there are those that would like us to believe that Gay men live in a world of deeply conflicting messages when it comes to sex. There are constant messages that say they should be liberated, responsible, experimental, safe, cutting-edge, traditional, dominant, submissive, sex-positive and celibate - and above all else they are not supposed to follow a heterosexual model. Cruise Control is supposed to lead men to a better understanding of the difference between sexual compulsion and non-addictive sexual behaviour within the gay experience, but to be perfectly honest, I cannot see any reason in this book other then lining the coffers of a few psychotherapists by giving people yet another thing to worry about. Freshmen - The Best Erotic Fiction By Jesse Grant Published by Alyson £10.99 Now here's one for all of you who just like a good one handed read, well done for still being with us and you won't be disappointed by this book in the slightest. I tell you, it's been worth waiting for and reading through all those other reviews of boring books. This one has got it all, hot straight guys shooting in the back of another guys throat shouting "ohhh Cindy Lou", very special home videos featuring innocent farm boys, the pizza boy that really does deliver a hot load and the day at the beach when your brother in law tells you that he thinks of you when he's buried deep inside your sister. Just like the magazine by the same name this book features just the hottest and horniest stories of young gay men exploring their sexuality. This is one handed reading at its best. Live and Raw: Let the Most Powerful Name in Porn Work for You! By Chi Chi LaRue Published by Bruno Gmünder £12.99 Last but not least, here's a book for all your lovers of hunky tattooed men, a Bruno Gmünder book full of pictures of Chi Chi LaRue's favourite hunks. Of course being a book by this famous German publishing house the pictures are of stunning quality as are the men. Mouth watering bodies galore and for a bit of a preview you can visit Chi Chi's website at http://www.LiveAndRaw.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FAIR WAVED THE GOLDEN PORN ========================== by Justin Milne Regular contributors to Scots-Gay will be well aware of our Editor's nasty habits - like turning up with a box of DVDs the day before the copy date and telling you to get on with it. So it was that I settled down this afternoon with a box of Kleenex left over from last week's flu and tried to keep the cat off my knee as I viewed... First out of the box was "Fuck Fever" from Liquid London (http:// www.liquidlondon.com). A fair variety of mature guys (smooth, slightly hairy and some Hispanic) having hardcore fun, as they say. Afraid the vaguely arty narrative style didn't do it for me. But, there you go. Next were four much of a muchness vids: Bare Balls, Bare Hotel, Raw Rescue and Bareback Twink Street. Made in Eastern Europe, this quartet feature largely the same stable of rather attractive men risking their health for the cameras and us, the viewers. As the series goes on, we can see Cameron Jackson's bleaching grow out and the pecs develop - and very nice it is too. As is the dick. But, that's not the point. It may just be that this group of young men have made informed choices about unsafe sex. But I ha'e ma doots! And what they're getting paid isn't going to pay for the anti-retrovirals that they'll need if they get infected with HIV. On the other hand, maybe they are and this is to earn money for the drugs they need. Don't get me wrong, they're all nicely made with decent camerawork, indecent guys and lots of stunning action. But my cock just goes limp in a way it doesn't at condomless videos made in pre-AIDS times. However, don't let me spoil your enjoyment. Much more to my taste was College Cumfest, another production from Eastern Europe. This time, it 'did' make me somewhat sticky with ten young men doing very much what the last lot were doing but interposing a satisfying layer of rubber between them and their partners. I only wish that my Student Union had allowed shagging on the premises! Finally, a couple of UK productions. RudeBoiz didn't particularly do it for me. The guys are the sort you'll find at http://www.fitlads.net/ - neds, scally, chav, whatever you want to call it. The film includes an interesting trip round some Cooncil Hooses in parts of London and the human contents thereof who seem to have fairly single track minds! Which is nice - if you like that sort of thing. But a lot of them will be so much nicer when their shaved hair grows back. My favourite video of the lot was BikeBoy, from the Max Lincoln stable. The 6+ hours of XXX action are made up of the main feature and a CD containing scenes and promos from many other Euro-creme productions (including some of those reviewed above). Apart from Tommy "Sex On Legs - albeit fairly short ones" Trent, there are 13 other guys involved in the sheenanigans. Plot: two students watch a video together and start shagging - the video is the tale of a pushbike dispatch rider who gets into lots of shagging. And, as an extra, the cuter guys from RudeBoiz turned up in the final orgy scene! Anyway, as per usual, that nice perve Mr Eurocreme is giving away a lot of his porn to ScotsGay readers. Several of each of the above titles, no less. And Zipper (who are responsible for Fuck Fever) are handing out copies too. Just send us a postcard with your name and address and the titles you'd like to receive listed in order of preference. We'll do the rest. You should know the address by now: DVD Offer, ScotsGay Magazine, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. If you're not lucky in the draw, you can pick up most of these titles from all good filth merchants (like QStore and Leather & Lace) or click the links to Homo@ctive on the ScotsGay website at http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL NEWS ================== by Rex Wockner +Full Story Behind 'Iran Gay Hangings' Mired In Controversy The two male teenagers hanged in Mashad, Iran, on 19th Jul were executed not for having sex with each other, as has been reported, but for raping a 13 year old boy, USA based Human Rights Watch is claiming. Mahmoud Asgari, 18, and Ayaz Marhoni, 19, allegedly raped the boy at least 14 months prior to their executions, meaning at least one, and perhaps both, of them were minors at the time. According to Scott Long, director of HRW's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Project: "On the morning of 19th Jul - that is, just before the executions - a long article in Quds, a Farsi daily published in Mashad, described the case. It is clearly identified there as a rape case, with a lengthy interview with the father of the 13 year old apparent victim. The account there is that the case dates back two years, that the boy in question was seized outside a shopping area by the two boys ultimately convicted, who took him to a deserted area where five other boys were also waiting. (It's not clear what happened to the five other members of what is described as a gang.) He was gangraped at knifepoint, according to his father's account, which is supported by three passersby who interrupted the act. Passersby were attacked with knives and had their cars vandalized." It also now seems that an article from the Iranian Students News Agency, translated and circulated by the London gay group OutRage!, was not the first article about this case, as OutRage! believed, and may not have been translated correctly. OutRage! had reported that the ISNA article said the boys were executed for consensual gay sex. But HRW says the headline and the first sentence of the article make it clear they were hanged for "sodomy by coercion" ("lavat beh onf"). "Lavat beh onf," HRW said, is an archaic phrase that is not the normal way to refer to rape. "Ultimately," said HRW's Long, "one has to ask what is the basis for believing that the boys were tried for consensual sodomy. It boils down to an English language article on the Iran Focus Web site having made no mention of the rape charge. There is no other substantial evidence." "The ISNA report seen by our contacts in Iran makes no mention of rape or of a 13 year old boy. It states they were hung for homosexual acts," OutRage! leader Peter Tatchell said this week. "OutRage!'s sources for our reportage of this story include clandestine gay and lesbian activists inside Iran, members of the democratic and left Iranian opposition, and the Web sites of government-sanctioned news agencies in Iran."We work with many exiled gay Iranians in London," Tatchell said. "They confirm that smears and torture against gay people are routine in Iran. Whenever the regime wants to deflect criticism, it trumps up charges of alcoholism, adultery, rape and drug abuse against the victims of its brutality. +Foreign gay couples can marry in Spain Spain's Justice Ministry has ruled that foreign same-sex couples who live there can get married there. "A marriage celebrated between a Spaniard and a foreigner, or between foreigners of the same sex resident in Spain, will be valid as a result of applying Spanish material law, even if the foreigner's national legislation does not permit or recognize the validity of such marriages," the government declared. +Large turnouts at Reykjavík pride Approximately 50,000 people participated in the gay pride parade and festivities in Reykjavík, Iceland, the Iceland Review reported. The turnout amounted to one-sixth of the island's population, which totals 296,737. +Married Aussie MP to quit after gay-sex revelations A Liberal member of the Parliament of the state of South Australia will not run for office again after it was revealed he had an affair with a 24 year old man that included sex in the MP's office. Announcing his decision, MP Mark Brindal, 57, who is married to a woman, also threatened to reveal other MPs' secrets. +Aussie study: Catholics are the least homophobic Christians Among Australian Christians, Roman Catholics are the least homophobic, a new Australia Institute study has found. Two-thirds of Baptists and evangelical Christians told pollsters homosexuality is immoral, compared with only one-third of Catholics. Members of the Anglican and Uniting churches scored similarly gay-friendly. Nonreligious people were the least antigay of all, with only 19 percent calling homosexuality immoral. The survey, which questioned 25,000 people, revealed that residents of central and southwestern Queensland state, western Tasmania, and the Sunshine and Gold coasts near Brisbane are the least tolerant. +HIV infections climb among gay Danes Danish gay and bisexual men apparently have fallen off the safe-sex wagon. HIV infections hit an all-time high last year. There were 159 cases of HIV transmission between men who have sex with men in 2004, compared with 114 in 2003 and 92 in 2002. "This is quite serious," Stop AIDS' Jakob Haff told the newspaper Berlingske Tidende. "We could be on the brink of a renewed outbreak of the epidemic." +Amnesty: Uganda targets gay activists Amnesty International is worried about gay activists in Uganda following the nation's recent passage of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. The organization said activist Victor Juliet Mukasa, chair of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), fears for her safety after her house in a Kampala suburb was raided. Without displaying a search warrant, local officials seized documents and other material. Another lesbian activist who was present during the raid was arrested and taken to a police station where "she was subjected to humiliating and degrading treatment," and then released, Amnesty said. "Amnesty International is concerned that the above incidents add to a pattern of abuse of their [gays'] right not to be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation, the right to freedom, security and inviolability of the human person, respect for private life, protection of privacy of the home and freedom of association and expression," the group said. +New laws trouble Canadian activists New federal measures concerning minors and sex have Canadian gay and civil-liberties activists worried that classic works of gay fiction and nonfiction, such as coming-out stories, now may be illegal. Recently passed Bill C-2 criminalises writings and recordings "whose dominant characteristic is the description, for a sexual purpose, of sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under this Act." The law exempts material that has a "legitimate purpose related to the administration of justice or to science, medicine or art," but only if the author can prove that an undue risk of harm is not posed to persons under the age of 18. Canada's age of consent is actually 14 except for anal sex, for which it is 18. Thus, the new law disproportionately affects gay art. Bill C-2 has been denounced by the Canadian national gay lobby group Egale, the large gay publishing company Pink Triangle Press and other gay and civil-liberties organizations. They say its definitions are so broad and vague as to invite abuse of authority by local police and prosecutors, resulting in artists and writers having to endure expensive public trials to defend their work. Even Canada's largest daily newspaper, The Globe and Mail, editorialised that C-2 has "glaring flaws" and is excessive. --------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ASIAN Straight-acting, mid-fifties, stockily-built, straight-looking active guy would like to meet a straight looking and acting Asian guy who occasionally wants to be passive. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6310. DUNDEE SEEKS YOUNGER Good looking, slim, muscular Dundee guy, 30 years, likes swimming, cycling, travelling, photography and many other things is looking for younger males with similar interests who like socialising and meeting up. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6314. EDINBURGH SMOOTHIE? Mid fifties, straight looking and acting active guy would like to meet a smooth-skinned, passive Asian guy. Has his own place in Edinburgh. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6315. LAUGH WITH MARK Mark, 30 years old from Glasgow, is 5'9" tall with green eyes and a chubby build and describes himself as attractive, passionate and loyal. He is looking to meet down to earth guys 35-65 for fun or possibly a relationship. "I've just moved back from London, so I'm looking to go out and about, having a laugh, in Glasgow and Edinburgh". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6280. BOSSY PIANIST 53 years old, active, a bit bossy and very kind and caring guy. "I play piano and am interested in travel and music". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6283. GBH & TLC? Gordon is a very naughty boy in Edinburgh who is looking for a teacher to "punish me severely and anything else he wants to do to me". He is 54 years old, slimly built and "particularly into home and school discipline". He is looking to find a teacher in the Edinburgh area who he can meet on a regular basis. "It's discipline I need, plus a little TLC". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6285. TEACH MICHAEL Michael, 19 years old is looking for a headmaster type older person to "teach him - anyone over 40 would be great". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6291. DOMINANT DISCIPLINE 5'7" white male looking for dominant olderlooking male to discipline him. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6293. STUART MCKENZIE - SEABORNE PRIDE Seeking Stuart McKenzie who worked with John-Pierre di Martino on the "Seaborne Pride" 1988-1989. Jean-Pierre is coming to Edinburgh in mid August and would love to meet again. Please get in touch. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6297. LEATHER LOVER Guy in his 40's looking for fun and friendship with guys in Aberdeen. He loves leather and rubber. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6300. FUN MALE TOP Joe describes himself as "a fun male top" who is into keep fit. He is seeking a slim camp male or sexy feminine TV for fun and friendship. "If you're out there - get in touch". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6304. FIRM HANDED? Paul, 43 years old with a Number 1 crop, 5'7" tall is looking for leather tops: boots, masks etc. He is "in need of a firm-handed master". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6306. NINETEEN Michael, 19 years old with brown hair and blue eyes wants to have fun with older men. "Get in touch". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6307. GLASGOW LAD 5'6" tall, blue-eyed Glasgow lad is looking for an older businessman. "Please take interest in my ad". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6308. INTRODUCTION Mid-fifties first-timer "would like to be introduced...". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6247. 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 long-term 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 cross-dresser 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 crossdressing, 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. SLIM SLAVE Slim 43 years old slave looking for dominant guys 50+. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6093. 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 time-waster, 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 like-minded 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 nostrings 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 like-minded 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 NON-SCENE 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, cleanshaven 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 ARMED FORCES My name is Emma Vickers and I'm in the first year of a PhD at the University of Lancaster. I'm researching the lives of gays and lesbians in the Armed Forces during the Second World War. I would like to interview any gay and lesbian veterans who took part in the conflict between 1939 and 1945. They must have been in the Army, Navy or the Air Force. The female equivalents of these were the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and the Women's Royal Naval Service. Please help if you can, especially if you know of someone who took part in the war, or someone who left their wartime memories behind. I need to record their stories before they are lost forever. Confidentiality is assured. Contact Emma Vickers, Department of History, Furness College, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YG or E-mail: e.vickers@lancaster.ac.uk 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 SG65005. *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 SG65040. LOOKING FOR LOVE A slightly butch woman looking for fem or butch lady to share my life with, someone to want me as I am, and that I can trust. Had a lot of hurt in my life so I'd like to meet someone that is serious about starting a relationship up. I'm romantic, loving, and open minded and love surprising my lady. If you would like to get to know me more then let me know. Box SG65041. YOUNG 30ISH FEMALE - AYRSHIRE AREA Down to earth and loves a good laugh, enjoys nights out in Glasgow and Edinburgh and nights in wherever you fancy. Looking for down to earth happy female, must like kids. Can travel or accommodate. Box SG65042. *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 SG65002. GIVE IT TO ME Sexy first timer just dying to get out there and get my lips, and a whole lot more, round some cock. I'm 25, good looking, well toned and funny to boot. Try me out. Box SG65007. SUB WANTED - EDINBURGH AREA Dominant Edinburgh Guy (50's) seeks submissive guy (18-38) for bondage, roleplay, punishment etc. No experience necesssary. Reply with contact telephone number and full details of age, height, build, colour and length of hair. Box SG65008. PUNISH ME Glasgow, Bi guy, 55 years old, shaved, is looking for an older gentleman, preferably in his 60's, who will spank me and then take and use me. I cannot accommodate but can travel. Box SG65009. 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 SG65010. HOT 4 U Friendly, easygoing horny guy, 49, 5'10", average build, not bad looking, fairly well endowed (7-8"), WLTM clean shaven smooth bodied male 25-50 for sexy fun. Box SG65011. HI GUYS? Are you 21 to 50 and interested in meeting a 47 year old bi guy for good clean fun? Box SG65012. 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 SG65013. HI THERE - YOU'RE LOOKING FOR ME Alone too often these days. Want someone to do things with, go places, share. 40 something, good looking, masculine. Into the beauty of the world and its simpler pleasures! Time passing by. Non-scene and varied interests. If in the same boat get in touch. It'll be worth it. Box SG65014. FANCY BEING SQUASHED? Heavy gay guy, (21st) seeks guys who are into being sat on/squashed. Discretion assured. All letters answered. Respectful letters please. Box SG65015. SLAVE FOR TOTAL ABUSE - NO MERCY Young virgin TV sissy slave needing to be made into a 24/7 slave owned and controlled. Slave has no limits anything is ok infact the more extreme and sadistic the better - nothing is too extreme. Please can someone take me in hand and make me a true slave, please. Box SG65016. WANT TO MAKE FRIEND IN SCOTLAND London based Oriental guy, 26 years old, is looking for right guy to stay. Box SG65017. CROSS DRESSER SEEKS SAME Cross dresser, 55, looking for other cross dressers for girly times together. Would also like to meet active oral guys 45+. Box SG65018. BISEXUAL MARRIED MAN Hello. My name is David, 5'10" inch tall, slim and looking for someone for discreet fun during the day or at weekends. I am married so discretion required. Glasgow area. Box SG65019. 20 YEAR OLD CD SEEKS GOOD SHAG Hi. I am a 20 year old crossdresser from Glasgow. I want to be treated like a slut and wil try anything. Also want to meet other CDs for slumber parties and trying on outfits. Box SG65020. DAYTIME FUN Looking for bi-married guys for daytime meets in West End of Glasgow with own accommodation. Must be totaly discreet, masculine and totaly active. I'm 44, stocky build, hairy and total passive, sensual, fun and very discreet looking. Want to meet guys of any age/build. Just be genuine, straight acting/looking and looking for regular sexy times through the day. Can also do some cross dressing!! All replies anwsered. Box SG65021. NEEDING OLDER FRIENDS Hello all. I'm 58, small in stature, but have a big loving heart. Unable to travel due to walking problems, so seeking visitors of between 50 and 50 to my flat for fun times. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. ALA. Thank you. Box SG65023. SEEKING OTTER Smooth fortysomething guy seeks otter for winter and years to come. Box SG65024. 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 SG65025. MATURE COMPANIONS SOUGHT Middle age is a great time of life and brings with it experience, time and better understanding of life and priorities. Looking for others in the same situation to share quality time with. Enjoy the quieter things in life. Box SG65026. DRESSED TO IMPRESS Hi, my name's Sara, and I'm a stunning, bisexual TV who's looking for a really nice guy to share some fun times together. I'm slim, single, 36, with blue eyes, blonde hair and 5'7" tall when not in heels. I'd love to go out with you and, if you're a really nice guy, I'd like to stay in with you, too. I travel and can accommodate. So, nice guy, drop me a line and I'll send you some pics so you can judge for yourself if I'm the girl you've been looking for. Sara xx. Box SG65027. HOUSEBOY/PERSONAL SLAVE WANTED Looking for very sub guys who want to serve a superior guy in his home - doing housework, naked chores, humiliation etc. It's about true domination rather than quick sex. Tough but realistic regime. Hard work, but rewarding if it's what you crave. Experience, age and looks not important but you must be genuine. Central belt. Box SG65028. ALL MALE HOLIDAY OFFER Are you into domination, discipline, TT, CBT, humiliation, yellow, gob, interogation scenes, plus more? Open to guys 16-45, into skinheads, master/slave, leather. Send photo, please. Box SG65029. ROOMATES WANTED FOR ROOMSHARE Gay lad living outside Dundee needs 4-5 roommates late September onwards. If interested, please contact Andrew with full detailed letter and a recent photo. Box SG65030. BI OR GAY HOT BOY Living in house boy boss will take you fully in his trust and care. Like contact with man who has house boys or house boys in service. Box SG65031. SLAVE HUNK Slave man/boy seeks master, TV or femme or elegant type, any age or weight. Spank and train me for massage duties plus bondage, CD, wrestle match. Central belt, anywhere. Box SG65032. EDINBURGH TOP WANTS SLAVES 36 year old looking for total bottoms, S&M slaves and houseboys. For application, send full details. I can accommodate or travel. Box SG65033. GLASGOW - ANYWHERE GWM, 33, slim, 5'10", straight acting, told VGL, dark hair, active, WE, laid back guy, seeks slim, passive, underendowed lad, 18- 36. Prefer blond. Hopefully leading to relationship. No E-mail. Box SG65034. CANE OR TAWSE BUTT SERVICE Let my cane or tawse make your butt go rangy- tang-tang. Box SG65035. 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 SG65036. TWO WHO WANT MORE Two guys seek others who enjoy no strings fun. All ages considered. ALA. Aberdeen to Inverness area. No one off sessions. Limits respected. Smokers welcome. Reply soon. Box SG65037. EDINBURGH SKINHEAD Seeks guys into WS, gob, rubber, leather, army gear, gas masks, poppers. Phone number for quick reply. Box SG65039. SHETLAND OLDER TOP WANTED Hi, older Shetland Bottom needs a very discreet top, preferrably well hung and uncut living in Shetland or North Isles for mutual fun. Box SG65043. HEALTHY LIVING SOCIAL GROUP BUSY LIFESTYLE Aiming to create group for those with interests that clash with organised groups. Pref N/Sm. Let's swim, use gym, badminton, explore each others interests together. Theatre outings, late 20's. Massage. Box SG65044. WANT A HOLIDAY? Shetland gay farmer wants to meet guys to visit Shetland for a holiday. Can pay travel costs. Own place. Anything goes fun. Box SG65045. ASPERGERS SYNDROME Guy, late 40's, recently diagnosed, seeks younger (16-26) similar for fun and friendship. Box SG65046. SMALL CORMORANT OR COMMON SHAG Urgently required by mature Edinburgh guy. Student type preferred. Paper bag will be supplied. Box SG65047. CHUBBY BLOKE FROM SOUTH LANARKSHIRE Chubby bloke, 40, into rugby and football, would like to meet buddy into visual art and comedy films. Must be clean and honest. Box SG65048. WEST COAST SCOTLAND GWM, 33 now and fed up! Not like scene! Don't trawl! No Gaydar! Slim, G/L, WE, masculine, active, frustrated, seeks slim underendowed and passive 18-28 guy. Anywhere! Correspondence? Can travel! Box SG65050. EXTREMELY BI-CURIOUS I am an extremely bi-curious married 42 year old male who wants to experience fun with an older man. I will try anything and would love to satisfy my growing need. Box SG65051. 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 SG65052. *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 SG65001. GORGEOUS TV SEEKS ADVENTURE I'm Sara, a slim, stunning, blonde TV. I'm bi, 36, single and I live in the Highlands. I want to meet like-minded people for friendship and fun. I'm very broad-minded and very willing to please the right person who is interested in something more than a casual encounter. Interested? I hope so. E-mail me for a pic. Box SG65006. MAN CALLED UNCLE STILL LOOKING For bi-niece and bi-nephew for fun and naughty times. Can accommodate. All ages welcome. Also smokers, disabled. Travel limited to Aberdeen and Inverness area. ALA. Please write soon. Lots of love. Box SG65038. *STRAIGHT EDINBURGH Friendly, fit, 50something silver bear, recently moved to Edinburgh, seeks morally relaxed women of all ages for fun and friendship. Box SG65003. RETIRED HIPPY 50, looking for some love and affection from women (and men) of all ages. Box SG65004. BISEXUAL MALE/FEMALE WANTED 39 year old bisexual male, looking for bisexual male/female for some adult fun and friendship in the Glasgow/Lanarkshire areas. Looks/age not important. Box SG65022. *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. LOOKING FOR GAY SOUL MATE I'm Kiran, 22, gay from India. I'm looking for young and slim gay studs from North America or Europe. I like Scottish gays very much. If you come to India I will take you to my home and we will treat you as a one of my family members. I want to room with you in India. I want to take bath in beaches. Write: Kiran Gopu, Kiran-3-181, huzurabad, 505468, Karimanagar, A.P., India. E-mail: kir_canada_ 2005@yahoo.com LOOKING FOR UK MEN FOR FUN I am looking for nice semi-hairy men for fun over in Cyprus. Love to cuddle you and play with your body. Write: Dinos Andreou, Makariou 14, Larnaka, Cyprus. E-mail: dinodino992003@ yahoo.com OLD SCOTTISH STRAP WHIPPING Cadet Michael Jeremy seeking old fashioned Scottish strap discipline. Prefer Clan style father/son spanking scene. All lashes will be counted out and taken like a man. Kilts and community style whippings in ancient clkans a plus. Scottish style strap discipline, the tawse, has always been my ideal of manhood. My father was a marine DI who brought me up in the old fashioned strap discipline with sentencing, lashings formal and in front of my father's fellow officers. Write: Miceael Jeremy Miller, PO Box 60095, San Diego, CA 92166, USA. E-mail: cadet2jeremy@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 [65] 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. [65] 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. [65] 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] SEXY HANDS-ON TACTILE MAN Required as part time carer for partially disabled man. 23.5 hours per week at £5.95 per hour in comfortable bungalow near Perth on main bus route. Dressing and undressing and light household duties. Free accommodation. Please apply with full particulars to Box SG65049. *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 Edinburgh offers translation services between the following languages: English, Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish and French. E-mail: trots2@drink.demon.co.uk or Write: Box SG65000. [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] *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. [65] 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. [65] 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. [65] GLASGOW/EDINBURGH Sean, 24, experienced escort and masseur, based in Glasgow's West End, available for in and out calls. Goodlooking, toned, swimmer's build, smooth, tanned, VWE and versatile. Please call/txt me on 07835 192527 for more info. Duo service available. [65] 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 BOY! 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! [65] 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. [65] 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] 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. [65] 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. [65] 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. [65] 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. [65] 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. [65] 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 [65] *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. Nonsmoking 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 peach and 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/ ------------------------------------------------------------------- LISTINGS ======== NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND: Scotland's oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights organisation. It was founded in 1969 as the Scottish Minorities Group, later became the Scottish Homosexual Rights Group and changed its name to OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND in December 1992. Currently focusing on work around the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Executive and Scottish Public Institutions such as the NHS, Police and Justice System. Write: The Secretary, OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND, PO Box 23253, Edinburgh. EH1 3XD. E-mail: convenor@ outright-scotland.org.uk WWW: http://www.outright-scotland.org.uk/ Why not support OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND's work? Membership is £15 waged, £9 low-waged (under £10,000 pa) and £5 unwaged. Life membership is £150. Affiliation from Trades Union and Political Party Branches also welcome: £100 (Local Branches), £150 (National Organisations). Please make out your cheque/Postal Order to OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND and send to The Secretary, OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND, PO Box 23253, Edinburgh. EH1 3XD. EQUALITY NETWORK: Working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in Scotland. Write: 30 Bernard Street, Edinburgh. EH6 6PR. Tel: 07020 933952. Fax: 07020 933954. E-mail: en@equality-network.org WWW: http://www.equality-network.org/ We hold weekly meetings, regular forums and an annual conference; contact us for more details. Join the campaign network! LESBIAN ARCHIVE AND INFORMATION CENTRE: The UK's largest and most significant collection of materials relating to lesbian lives. LAIC (at Glasgow Women's Library) 109 Trongate, Glasgow. G1 5HD. Tel/Fax: 0141-552 8345. Open Tue-Fri 1-6pm and Sat 2-5pm. E-mail: gwl@womens-library.org.uk WWW: http://www.womens-library.org.uk/laic.htm PRIDE SCOTIA (EDINBURGH): Now busily organising Pride Scotia 2007! Tel: 0131-556 9471. Write: 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. E-mail: edinburgh@pridescotia. org WWW: http://www.pridescotia. org/ PRIDE SCOTIA (GLASGOW): Organising Pride Scotia 2006 which is provisionally planned for Sat 24th Jun 2006! Write: 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. E-mail: glasgow@ pride-scotia.org WWW: http://www.pride-scotia.org/ STONEWALL SCOTLAND: Scottish office of the London based campaigning group. Write: 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow, G1 4AL. Tel: 0141-204 0746. Fax: 0141-204 5110. E-mail: scotland@stonewall.org.uk WWW: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/ LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ABERDEEN: Icebreakers: A support group for members of the LGBT community who are new to the Grampian area or the local scene. Meets monthly. Write: c/o Phace Scotland, 11 Waverley Place, Aberdeen. AB10 1XH. Tel: 0845 2412151. Fax: 0845 2412152. E-mail: grampian@phacescotland.org North East Scotland Gay Group: A befriending group for gay and bisexual men, meets 3rd Sun of each month at 7.30pm. Write: c/o 11 Waverley Place, Aberdeen. AB10 1XH. Tel: 0845 2412151. E-mail: nesgg@phacescotland.org Pride In Aberdeen: An umbrella group for voluntary LGBT organisations in the North East of Scotland (formerly North East LGBT Forum). Working towards opening an LGBT Centre in Aberdeen. Write: Pride in Aberdeen Ltd, c/o PHACE Scotland, 11 Waverley Place, Aberdeen. AB10 1XH. E-mail: info@prideinaberdeen.org.uk WWW: http://www.prideinaberdeen.org.uk/ ARGYLL & CLYDE: If you are interested in getting involved in a local group for gay and bisexual men anywhere in the Argyll and Clyde area get in touch! PHACE Scotland are involved in a range of social and support groups across the West of Scotland. Tel: Matt Johnston on 0141-332 3838 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or E-mail: mattj@phacescotland.org AYRSHIRE: Ayrshire Social & Sexuality Support Group: Meets 3rd Wed of each month at 7pm in Irvine. Details of venue from David Bingham on 0141- 332 3838 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or Irvine (01294) 323473. E-mail: davidb@phacescotland.org CAITHNESS: Caithness Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Group: A friendly informal group which meets irregularly. Write: Box 689, Journal Office, 42 Union Street, Wick. KW1 5ED. Tel: 07808 814007 (Fri 7-9pm). E-mail: caithnessglb@yahoo.co.uk WWW: http://members.lycos.co.uk/caithnessglc/index.htm DUNDEE: Disco:very: The newsletter from Diversitay. Available from: Diversitay (LGBT Group), PO Box 53, Dundee, DD1 3YG. DUNFERMLINE: FifeFLAGS: Fife Free Lesbian and Gay Society. Based in Dunfermline, provides a welcoming and safe meeting space and drop-in centre near the town centre for the LGBT community, our friends, family and supporters. Regular social group meets on Mon and Thu eve from 7pm. Youth group for people up to age 25, coordinated by LGBT Youth Scotland, meets on first Mon of each month from 7-9 pm. Support for parents of recently out children can also be arranged - contact for details. Various groups meet in comfortable surroundings and arrange activities and outings or just hang out and meet new friends over coffee and biscuits. Safer sex information and supplies available as part of the Fife Health Board condom distribution scheme. Tel: Dunfermline (01383) 738517. E-mail: Info@FifeFLAGS.org.uk WWW: http://www.fifeflags.org.uk/ EDINBURGH: Icebreakers: Social group for guys and gals who want to make friendships and feel more at ease in the company of other gay people. Run by Switchboard volunteers. Takes place from 7.30- 9pm in CC Blooms on the 2nd & 4th Wed of each month. If you're recently out or new to Edinburgh or just feel a bit cut off and want a break, come along. A welcoming and non-threatening environment. First timers can be met outside. Phone Lothian Switchboard for details. ELGIN: Moray LGBT Group: Meets at Health Point, 239 High Street, Elgin. Write: c/o 11 Waverley Place, Aberdeen. AB10 1XH. Tel: 0845 2412151. E-mail: moraylgbtgroup@phacescotland.org FALKIRK: FLAGS LGBT Centre: 56-58 Cow Wynd, Falkirk. FK1 1PU. Tel: Falkirk (01324) 638218. Situated near the centre of town. Resource area with latest magazines, leaflets etc. Free safer sex supplies for men and women. Tea and coffee area. Various groups meet in the Centre each week. For further information: telephone or Email and speak to one of the volunteers. E-mail: flagslgbt@hotmail.com GLASGOW: Glasgow LGBT Centre: The Centre Board manages Glasgow LGBT Centre Limited, which is registered as a Scottish charity and as a Scottish company. Centre Administrator and Manager are on duty (9.30am-5pm Mon-Fri). Membership criteria for Glasgow LGBT Centre Limited is available to all interested people agreeing to the code of conduct. See press for notice of the Annual General meeting of Members - childcare and BSL interpreter can be organised, but please give advance notice. Membership is closed in the last month. Write: Glasgow LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow, G1 4AL. Tel/Fax: 0141- 221 7203. E-mail: admin1@glgbt.org.uk WWW: http://www.glgbt.org.uk/ Icebreakers Group: For lesbians, gays and bisexuals new to the scene. 12.30-3pm on 1st Sun of each month at LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street. Details from Strathclyde Switchboard. INVERCLYDE: Greenock LGBT Group: Are you interested in meeting LGBT people from in and around Greenock? The Phoenix Community Health Project are running an occasional group for LGBT people from Inverclyde. These meetings are a chance to socialise with local people and to find out more about what's on offer for Inverclyde's LGBT community. The group is relaxed, informal and is also open to friends and family. Meets at the Phoenix Project, 19 Bogle St, Greenock on some Thu eves from 7-9pm. Tel: Sandra on Greenock (01475) 892197 or Matt on 0141- 332 3838. INVERNESS: Highland Gay Men's Group: Meets at 7.30pm on 4th Wed of each month at 34 Waterloo Place. Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585 (Mon- Fri 9.30am-4.30pm). E-mail: hgmg@reachouthighland.org.uk Highland Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Forum. Write: c/o Reach Out Highland, 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness. IV1 1NB. E-mail: forum@gay-ness.org.uk WWW: http://www.gay-ness.org.uk/ STIRLING: Stirling Gay Men's Group meets monthly from Sep-Jun (generally 3rd Fri) in private houses. Email: Forthfriend@lademill.force9.co.uk WWW: http://www.lademill.f9.co.uk/Forthfriend.html WOMEN'S LISTINGS SCOTTISH NETWORK FOR LESBIAN STRENGTH: To further lesbian issues, follow a lesbian agenda and foster lesbian visibility. E-mail: High_Les@bigfoot.com ABERDEEN: Aberdeen Lesbian Group: A small social group of lesbian and bisexual women who meet every fortnight in the Women's Centre, Shoe Lane (next to the Lemon Tree). They aim to bring together like-minded women into a friendly atmosphere focussing on fun and enjoyment. Tel: 07914 151920. E-mail: savanah@clara.co.uk AroundAB-out 2001: A free monthly online newsletter primarily for lesbians in Aberdeen and the North-East of Scotland but has a mixed readership of gender, sexuality and age throughout the UK and internationally. It contains a mix of articles, humour, information and regular features. Personal copies are sent free via e-mail if requested, and the website is updated during the month with time related news. WWW: http://www.about2001.com/ For individual free subscriptions, E-mail: Subscriptions@About2001.com with the word "subscribe" either in the subject or in the body of the e-mail. Granite Sisters: Aberdeen based social and cultural group for lesbians throughout Scotland. Meetings and events held in both the private homes of members and public venues. Confidentiality and privacy are regarded as very important to this group as many members are not out, and you will find the members respect these values at gatherings. Website also contains news and information about gay issues, gay friendly holidays in Scotland etc. Further details: Maria Clark Manager/Secretary. Tel/Fax: Aberdeen (01224) 713336 (day/eve). Write: PO Box 18230, Aberdeen. AB2 9YN. E-mail: 13@clara.co.uk WWW: http://www.13.clara.co.uk/ Lesbian And Friends Lunch Club: 1st Sat of each month in Aberdeen Women's Centre, Shoe Lane (from Sep 11 Waverley Place). Come along and be treated to a tasty lunch while enjoying a nice relaxing atmosphere in the company of like minded women. Tel: 07914 151920. E-mail: savanah@clara.co.uk WWW: http://www.geocities.com/aberdeenlesbiangroup/ lunch.html CAITHNESS: GirlZone in Caithness, is a new social group, for gay and bi-sexual women of all ages. E-mail: GirlZoneCaith@aol.com DUNDEE: Ellesbelles: Dundee's women only drumming group. Meets every Thu from 5.30pm at Michelin Athletic Club, Drumgeith Road. Tel: Dundee (01382) 330131. E-mail: ellesbellesdundee@ hotmail.com We Bissums: A regular newletter for women in and around Dundee. Write: PO Box 6819, Dundee. DD1 2YG. EDINBURGH: AD Group: For lesbians 40+. Monthly meeting and frequent social events. For details, phone Edinburgh Lesbian Line. Edinburgh Gay Women's Group: Weekly social group to chat, laugh, do crazy things or more relaxed ones. Go to the movies, pub, theatre, dancing, whatever you fancy. Meets every Wed 8pm onwards at Sala, LGBT Centre, 60 Broughton St. For details, phone Edinburgh Lesbian Line. Lesbian Book Group: Meets monthly (Wed 7.30-9.30pm) in basement of LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. Contact Kerry for further details / next book by E-mail: kjmcdoll@yahoo.co.uk or Tel: 07739 324046. LGBT Centre For Health & Wellbeing: 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6TE. Social events, women's health consultation, groups, classes and volunteering for lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. Tel: 0131-523 1100. E-mail: allie@lgbthealth.org.uk WWW: http://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/ LIBRA: Help for women concerned about their drinking. Free 1-2-1 counselling and groupwork. Tel: 0131-661 0111. Write: 4 Norton Park, Edinburgh. EH7 5RS. E-mail: libra@libra-lothian.fsnet.co.uk FALKIRK: Forth Valley Gay Women meet 7.30-9pm every 2nd Thu at FLAGS LGBT Centre, 56-58 Cow Wynd, Falkirk. FK1 1PU. Tel: 07849 082761. GLASGOW: Centre For Women's Health: Sandyford Initiative, 2-6 Sandyford Place (old Eye Infirmary), Glasgow. G3 7NB. Tel: 0141-211 6700. Minicom: 0141-211 6703. Fax: 0141- 211 6702. Sappho @ Sandyford: Sappho promotes positive health for lesbians and easier access to sexual, reproductive and women's health services. A monthly well-woman clinic and screening service is provided in a lesbian friendly setting. Tel: 0141-211 8130 for appointment. Counselling at the Centre for Women's Health takes place fortnightly on Tue eve. Women Only Space and Reference Library: Mon-Thu 10am-8.30pm, Fri 10am-4pm. Tel: 0141-211 6700 for info. There is a crêche within Sandyford Initiative - Tel: 0141-211 8647 for info. E-mail: sandyfordlib@glacomen.scot.nhs.uk. WWW: http://www.sandyford.org/ Glasgow Women's Library: 4th/5th Floors, 109 Trongate, G1 5HD. Tel/Fax: 0141-552 8345. Open Tue-Fri 1-6pm. Sat 2-5pm. Closed Mon. Lending and reference library - books, magazines, journals, videos, leaflets and information. UK and overseas feminist and lesbian publications. Contains the Lesbian Archive and Information Centre - a unique national collection of publications, journals and ephemera by and for lesbians. E-mail: gwl@womenslibrary. org.uk WWW: http://www.womenslibrary.org.uk/ OLGA - Older Women's Group: Meets monthly. Tel: Jenny or Alex on Kilwinning (01294) 558171 or Rose on 0141-423 3025. E-mail: roseodoherty@hotmail.com Personal safety and confidence building courses for women are offered by Wise Women, 120 Sydney Street, Glasgow. G31 1JF. Tel: 0141- 550 7557. Quertyphone: 0141-550 7558. INVERNESS: GirlZone: Formerly Girls @ The Gate. Friendly, informal social group for LBT and friends - all welcome. Meets 3rd Sat of each month. Tel: Joanne on 07792 223 687 for details and venue. E-mail: girlzone@gay-ness.org.uk WWW: http://www.gay-ness.org.uk/ Highland Lesbian Group: A friendly lesbian social group which offers support and information. Organises fundraisers for Womankind Worldwide: http://www.womankind.org.uk/ WWW: http://www.freewebs.com/highlandlesbiangroup/ E-mail: High_Les@bigfoot.com LESBIAN INFORMATION SERVICE: E-mail: jan@lesbianinformationservice.org WWW: http://www.lesbianinformationservice.org/ LILLIDOTS: Lesbian Feminist Walking Group. Contact via Dundee Switchboard, Lothian Lesbian Line or Strathclyde Switchboard. YOUNG LESBIANS: See our Youth Groups listings. BISEXUALS BI EDINBURGH: A monthly space for bisexuals and those questioning their sexuality. Meets 3rd Wed of month from 8pm at the Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a Broughton Street for informal discussion followed by drinks. Tel/text: 07963 960321. Email: info@biscotland.org WWW: http://www.biscotland.org/ BI GLASGOW: Glasgow's own bisexual group, for information, support and socializing, for bisexuals and those questioning their sexuality. Meets 1st Wed of month, from 7.30-9.30pm in the Ian Dunn Room at Glasgow LGBT Centre, followed by drinks. Also organises training and activist activities in support of bisexual visibility and pride. Tel/text: 07963 960321. Write: Bi Glasgow, c/o Glasgow LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow, G1 4AL. E-mail: info@biscotland.org WWW: http://www.biscotland.org/ ABUSE BROKEN RAINBOW LGBT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICE (UK): Works to change the situation for LGBT people facing domestic violence. Runs a listening, information and signposting Helpline Service, staffed by LGBT people. Tel: 020-8539 9507 (Mon-Fri 9am-1pm & 2-5pm). E-mail: mail@broken-rainbow. org.uk WWW: http://www.broken-rainbow.org.uk/ MALE SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN GRAMPIAN: Support and Advice. Write: PHACE Scotland, 11 Waverley Place, Aberdeen. AB10 1XH. Tel: 0845 2412151. E-mail: grampian@phacescotland.org MEN AGAINST SEXUAL ABUSE: MASA offers a unique 1-2-1 counselling service for adult male survivors of childhood abuse. MASA can also provide Hypnotherapy and Electric Stimulation Therapy (a form of acupunture). Tel: 0141-550 2048 (Tue 7-9pm). Email: abusedmen@aol.com RAPE AND ABUSE LINE: For male and female survivors. Women answer the Tel: Freephone 0808 8000123 (or Dingwall (01349) 865316) hours as advised on telephone answering machine. Men answer the Tel: Freephone 0808 8000122 (or Dingwall (01349) 862686) hours as advised on telephone answering machine. Callers are welcome to phone either line. Write: PO Box 10, Dingwall. IV15 9HE. THRIVE: Counselling service for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Write: The Sandyford Initiative, 4 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3 7NB. Tel: 0141-211 8133. E-mail: thrive@glacomen.scot.nhs.uk ATHEISTS/ HUMANISTS GAY AND LESBIAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION: GALHA is a national membership group promoting the gay-friendly Humanist outlook and gay and lesbian rights as human rights. Write: 34 Spring Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 2HB. Tel/Fax: Kenilworth (01926) 858450. Email: secretary@galha.org WWW: http://www.galha.org/ HUMANIST SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND: Same gender (LGBT) commitment ceremonies/ weddings. Lesbian Humanist Society registered celebrant. Scotland wide. Tel 07739 826377 or E-mail: gerrie.ds@ntlworld.com PINK TRIANGLE TRUST: PTT is a gay charity which can arrange non-religious ceremonies of love and commitment for lesbian and gay couples at very reasonable rates in most parts of Scotland. Details from: Write: 34 Spring Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 2HB. Tel/Fax: Kenilworth (01926) 858450. Email: ceremonies@pinktriangle.org.uk WWW: http://www.pinktriangle.org.uk/ BDSM MSC SCOTLAND: A club for men interested in Leather, Rubber, Uniform. Meets at the Regent Bar, Edinburgh, on the 3rd Sat of each month from 9pm. Write: PO Box 28, Edinburgh. EH3 5JL. E-mail: msc@mscscotland. net WWW: http://www.msc-scotland.net/ SCOTTISH GAY SKINS: Information Site for Scottish Gay Skinheads. Email: scotsskinsinfo@fsmail.net WWW: http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/scotsskins/ ScotsSkins meet informally in The Claremont in Edinburgh on the 3rd Sat of each month. SM GAYS: E-mail: info@smgays.org WWW: http://www.smgays.org/ SM PRIDE: Scottish contact - E-mail: druidic_goddess@yahoo.com WWW: http://www.uksmpride.org/ BEARS BEARSCOTS: For hairy, moustached, bearded or bulky men and their admirers. Edinburgh: Meets 1st Sat of each month from 2pm in No. 18 Sauna and then from 9pm in the Claremont Bar. Write: PO Box 12785, Edinburgh, EH6 7YU. Tel: Dundee (01382) 640059. E-mail: info@bearscots.org.uk Glasgow: Meets 2nd Fri of each month from 8pm in the Revolver Bar. Email: glasgow_bear@yahoo.co.uk For details of other social events across Scotland contact BearScots or check the website. WWW: http://www.bearscots.org.uk/ BIKERS GAY BIKERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB: A UK-wide club for women and men. Active Scottish section. Write: PO Box 33, Long Eaton, Nottingham. NG10 2BF. E-mail: info@gaybikers. co.uk WWW: http://www.gaybikers.co.uk/ CHRISTIANS EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP: Lesbian, gay or bisexual? From an Evangelical tradition? So are we. Tel: Andrew on Mid Calder (01506) 499926. Write: c/o 13 Westbrook Drive, Macclesfield, Cheshire. SK10 3AQ. E-mail: info@eflgc.org.uk WWW: http://www.eflgc.org.uk/ HOLY TRINITY METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH: An inclusive church of the lesbigay and trangendered community open to all irrespective of sexuality. Services: Every Sun at 6pm (11am during Aug) at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh (opposite the Central Library). Relationship blessings conducted by arrangement. Tel: 0131-226 1691. Write: Metropolitan Community Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. EH1 1EL. E-mail: mail@mccedinburgh.com WWW: http://www.mccedinburgh.com/ OPEN EPISCOPAL CHURCH: A small gay friendly denomination in the Old Catholic tradition. Regular Masses and other sacraments in Edinburgh. Also Relationship Blessings, Hand-fastings, and Healing. Contact Fr Alistair SSB on 07817 767445. E-mail: alistair_bate@hotmail.com WWW: http://hometown.aol.co.uk/drebstuart/index.html QUAKERS: Quaker Lesbian and Gay Fellowship is a welcoming and supportive national group for people of all sexual orientations and their friends. Write: Ruth (SG), 46 The Avenue, Starbeck, Harrogate. HG1 4QD. E-mail: qlgfcontact@btclick.com WWW: http://www.qlgf.org.uk/ QUEST: Organisation for lesbian and gay Catholics. Monthly meetings are held in different regional groups throughout Britain. Scottish meetings held in Glasgow. Quest Linkline - The Helpline for Gay and Lesbian Catholics - Tel: (Freephone) 0808 808 0234. Write: BM Box 2585, LONDON. WC1N 3XX. E-mail: quest@questgaycatholic.org.uk WWW: http://www.questgaycatholic.org.uk/ ROMAN CATHOLIC CAUCUS OF THE LESBIAN & GAY CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT: Local group meets in Central Edinburgh. Write: RC Caucus, PO Box 24632, London. E9 6XF. Tel: 020-7226 0847. E-mail: lgcm_rccaucus@ hotmail.com CREATIVE ARTS DIVERSE ARTISTS: An opportunity for Artists from all Art Disciplines, to meet, discuss their Art and develop projects and workshop opportunities. Membership is open to all diverse artists. Tel: Aileen on 07931 309093. E-mail: admin1@glgbt.org.uk CULTURAL GAYKILTS: A friendly social group of men who admire men in kilts and promote the wearing of the traditionally constructed kilt. Regular monthly meetings alternating between Edinbrugh and Glasgow. Other kilted meetings and weekend get togethers and visits throughout Britain. See web site for details. Tel: 07800 891702. E-mail: info@gaykilts.co.uk WWW: http://www.gaykilts. co.uk/ GLASGAY!: Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture. Next dates: 20th Oct-20th Nov 2005. Write: The Q! Gallery, 87-89 Saltmarket, Glasgow G1 5LE. Tel: 0141-552 7575 or 07762 722460. E-mail: info@glasgay.co.uk WWW: http://www.glasgay.co.uk/ INTERNATIONAL KILT APPRECIATION SOCIETY (IKAS): Contact and social group for guys interested in viewing/wearing kilts. Regular newsletter. Write: Mervyn Tacy, `Ziveli', 20 Ordsall Park Road, Retford. DN22 7PA. Please enclose sae. Tel: 01777 708270. E-mail: IKILTas@aol.com REMEMBER WHEN PROJECT: Documenting the collective history of Edinburgh's LGBT communities, recording lifestories and personal memories across the generations, and celebrating our rich and varied contributions to the quality of life in the city. Write: Brian Thompson, Remember When Project, 14 Forth Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LH. Tel: 0131- 558 2820. E-mail: brian@rememberwhen.org.uk WWW: http://www.rememberwhen.org.uk/ SCOTTISH BORDERS GAY FILM GROUP: Meets monthly during autumn through to the spring, and views videos/DVDs with a gay theme or character. For more details please contact Alastair on Galashiels (01896) 757861. SCOTTISH GAY VEGGIE GROUP: To unite gay veggies. Tel: 0141-883 2715 or 07963 540356. THE SPORRAN CLAN: Social group that promotes the wearing of the kilt and love of guys who wear kilts. Meetings and events throughout the year. E-mail: sporranclan@ mac.com WWW: http://www.sporranclan.org/ CYBERSPACE LAMBDA BOARD - EDINBURGH: The UK's oldest lesbigay 24 hour computer based bulletin board system. Private mailboxing, areas for Women, Gay Men, Bisexuals, Leather Enthusiasts, TV/TSs, etc. 0131-556 6316. Scrolling (8N1) and Viewdata (Prestel) formats at speeds up to V22bis (2400/2400). SCOTSGAY: All of the words from the magazine can be found on our website as well as interactive Meet Market and our Listings which are updated nearly every day. WWW: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ HEALTH AND ABILITIES ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Whilst AA runs the following LGBT meetings in Edinburgh and Glasgow, please note that it is a non restrictive organisation and LGBT people are welcome at any meeting. Edinburgh: Tue 7.30pm (Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a Broughton Street). Glasgow: Tue 8pm (Phace Scotland, 2nd Floor, 49 Bath Street), Thu 7.30pm (Nye Bevan House, 20 India Street), Fri 8pm (Glasgow LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street). National Helpline: 0845 7697555 (24 hours). Scottish Office: 0141-226 2214. Edinburgh Office: 0131-225 2727. BODY POSITIVE (GRAMPIAN): A self help group offering support and assistance for individuals with HIV/AIDS in the Grampian area. Write: PO Box 83, Aberdeen. AB9 1AA. BODY POSITIVE (TAYSIDE): 11-15 Princes Street, Dundee. DD4 6BY. A charity that exists to empower HIV and HepC positive people and those affected thereby to eliminate the stigma and isolation they experience. Tel: Dundee (01382) 461555. Fax: Dundee (01382) 461424. Tue-Thu (Drop In) Noon- 3.30pm. E-mail: admin@bptayside.sol.co.uk WWW: http://www.bodypositivetayside.org/ BROWNLEE CENTRE (GLASGOW): Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow. G12 0YN. Confidential information, advice, counselling and direct access testing for HIV and Hepatitis. The Centre provides ongoing medical and social care plus psychological and emotional support for people living with HIV infection and one to one counselling for people at risk of HIV. Tel: 0141-211 1089. Fax: 0141-211 1097. Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Tue 5- 7.30pm, Thu 5-7.30pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm. BROWNLEE COMMUNITY TEAM: 1st Floor, Granite House, 31 Stockwell Street, Glasgow. G1 4RZ. Social work service for people with HIV/AIDS providing intensive community based support. General advice and information on community care and housing needs also provided. Mon-Thu 8.45am-4.45pm. Fri 8.45am- 3.55pm. Tel: 0141-552 4488. Fax: 0141-552 2760. Also at Brownlee Centre: Tel: 0141-211 1090. FIFE MEN: 5 South Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy. KY1 1YA. (Behind Sheriff Court). Information, advice and support on gay and health issues, free condoms, and much more! Mon-Fri 1-5pm, Sat 10am- 3pm. Tel: Kirkcaldy (01592) 265666. Fax: Kirkcaldy (01592) 643866. E-mail: enquiries@fifemen.co.uk WWW: http://www.fifemen.co.uk/ GAY MEN'S HEALTH: 10a Union Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. A community led Lothian wide project for gay and bisexual men. Wide ranging volunteering opportunities which provide services including support and counselling, scene work, peer education and training, provision of condoms, lube and Safer Sex information. Tel: 0131-558 9444. Fax: 0131-558 9060. E-mail: info@gmh.org.uk WWW: http://www.gmh.org.uk/ GAY MEN'S HEALTH TAYSIDE: Exists to promote the sexual health of gay and bisexual men living in Angus, Dundee and Perth and Kinross, reduce the spread of HIV within those communities and challenge the discrimination that can be faced by gay and bisexual men, including HIV positive gay and bisexual men, and those affected by HIV. Tel: Dundee (01382) 424070. Fax: Dundee (01382) 424090. Email: admin@gaymenshealthtayside.com WWW: http://www.gaymenshealthtayside.com/ GLASGOW BROWNLEE AIDS WELFARE FUND: Raises funds for people with HIV/AIDS in the Greater Glasgow area. Write: PO Box 3954, Glasgow. G45 9WB. E-mail: info@gbawf.org.uk WWW: http://www.gbawf.org.uk/ GRAMPIAN AIDS LINE: Helpline for people with questions on HIV/AIDS. Tel: Aberdeen (01224) 574000 (Mon-Tue 8.30am-5pm, Wed 8.30am-6pm, Thu 8.30am- 12.30pm, Fri 8am-4pm). GRAMPIAN BUDDY GROUP: Befriending and support service for people living with HIV/AIDS. Write: PO Box 353, Aberdeen. AB9 8DD. Tel: Aberdeen (01224) 555406. HEALTHY GAY SCOTLAND: A national HIV prevention & sexual health promotion programme for gay and bisexual men. Offers a range of services including info on its website, campaigns and resources and a free condoms by post scheme. WWW: http://www.healthygayscotland.com/ HIV-AIDS CARERS AND FAMILIES SERVICE PROVIDER SCOTLAND: 10 Elderpark Workspace, 100 Elderpark Street, Glasgow. G51 3TR. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Telephone Support Service Mon-Fri 7pm-10pm. Tel: 0141-445 8797. Fax: 0141-445 8798. Email: hiv-aids_carers@lineone.net WWW: http://www.hiv-aids-carers.org.uk/ HIV SCOTLAND: Suite 2, 27 Beaverhall Road, Edinburgh. EH7 4JE. Tel: 0131-558 3713. Fax: 0131-558 9887. The independent voice for HIV in Scotland, this charity is a plicy and strategic body and runs Healthy Gay Scotland and Black Minority Ethnic-related HIVwork. E-mail: info@hivscotland.com WWW: http://www.hivscotland.com/ JUICE: Weekly support group for HIV+ gay and bisexual men in Edinburgh. Tel: 0131-661 0982. LADDIES & LASSIES CLUB: Scottish Deaf Gay & Lesbian Club. Normally meets in Merchant Pride, 20 Candleriggs, Glasgow, from 7pm-Midnight on last Fri of each month (except Dec). Write: c/o Glasgow LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. Email: LLSDGALC@hotmail.com LANARKSHIRE HIV, AIDS AND HEPATITIS CENTRE: Counselling Service, Monklands Hospital, Monks Court Avenue, Airdrie. ML6 0JS. One stop shop for HIV and Hepatitis health services. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Also Tue & Thu 7-9.30pm (appointments only). Tel: Airdrie (01236) 747960 or 712247. Fax: Airdrie (01236) 712449. LESBIAN & GAY CARERS NETWORK - ALZHEIMERS SOCIETY: Carers' contacts for gay men and lesbians are trained and skilled volunteers able to offer a listening ear and understanding to gay and lesbian carers of people with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia. Tel: Arthur on Brighton (01273) 628047, Bruce on Oxford (01865) 847471, Roger on Thanet (01843) 220932 or Vanessa on Newport, Gwent (01633) 215782. Alzheimer's Society National Helpline - Tel: 0845 3000336 (8.30am-6.30pm Mon- Fri). Write: Lisa Cooper, Development Officer, Lesbian and Gay Carers Network, North West Regional Office, Alzheimers Society, 4 Wilmslow Road, Cheadle. SK8 1BT. Tel: 0161-428 1556. E-mail: lcooper@alzheimers.org.uk WWW: http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/Gay_Carers/index.htm LGBT CENTRE FOR HEALTH & WELLBEING: 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6TE. Working in partnership with the LGBT community and health service providers to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in south-east Scotland. Volunteering opportunities in many diverse areas. Tel: 0131-523 1100. E-mail: admin@lgbthealth.org.uk WWW: http://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/ MAN FRIDAY: The GUM clinic at Woolmanhill, Aberdeen session for Gay and Bi men. Fri 1.20-3.50pm. Testing and advice on sexual health matters is available by appointment or on a drop-in basis. Tel: Aberdeen (01224) 555555. PHACE SCOTLAND: 134 Douglas Street, Glasgow. G2 4HF. HIV prevention and support support services in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Argyll and Clyde and Greater Glasgow including Buddying and the Crusaid Hardship Fund in Scotland. Also provides a range of health promotion services for Gay and Bisexual men throughout the West of Scotland and Grampian. Please contact for further details. Volunteers welcome! Tel: 0141-332 3838. Fax: 0141-332 3755. E-mail: contact@phacescotland.org WWW: http://www.phacescotland.org/ PHACE SCOTLAND - GRAMPIAN LGBT SERVICE: 11 Waverley Place, Aberdeen. AB10 1XH. Tel: 0845 2412151. Fax: 0845 2412152. E-mail: grampian@phacescotland.org PILLAR MENTAL HEALTH LGBT GROUP: For members of the LGBT Community offering support and advice at times of difficulty. Tel: Aberdeen (01224) 621266. E-mail: info@pillaraberdeen. co.uk or michaelm@phacescotland.org POSITIVE HELP: 13a Great King Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6QW. Practical help for people who are infected or affected by HIV and AIDS in Edinburgh, their families and carers. Tel: 0131-558 1122. Fax: 0131-558 3636. E-mail: posihelp@onetel.com POSITIVE VOICE: 37-39 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh. EH7 5DJ. Self help for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Lothian, offering free complementary therapies, advocacy and peer support. Tel: 0131-652 0754. Fax: 0131-661 9100. Email: enquiries@positive-voice.org.uk WWW: http://www.positive-voice.org.uk/ REACH OUT HIGHLAND: 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness. IV1 1NB. Supports people throughout the Highlands - whether living there or visiting - to take responsibility for, manage, and make informed choices about their sexual health and well-being. Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585 (Mon-Fri 9.30am- 4.30pm). Fax: Inverness (01463) 711793. Email: support@reachouthighland.org.uk WWW: http://www.reachouthighland.org.uk/ ROAM OUTREACH: Free confidential NHS Lothian outreach service for men using cruising areas including the Internet and male sex workers. As well as sexual health advice, provides info and advice on drugs, safer sex, personal safety and legal issues (including remote reporting of crime). Offers free and confidential HIV testing - out of hours drop in Mon 5-7pm where you can be tested for HIV, Hepatitis C, Syphilis and receive Hep B vaccinations. Outreach bus is parked outside Calton Cemetery most Mon nights from around 9pm - drop in to access free safer sex supplies. Website has anonymous contact form. Tel: 0131-537 8300 and ask for Mark, Ronnie or George. Email: enquiries@roam-outreach.com WWW: http://www.roam-outreach.com/ SANDYFORD INITIATIVE: 2-6 Sandyford Place (old Eye Infirmary), Glasgow. G3 7NP. Glasgow's main sexual health centre. Free web access and health library with large LGBT lending collection. Specialist services for gay men (See seperate ScotsGay Listing for Steve Retson Project) and lesbians (See seperate ScotsGay listing for Centre for Women's Health). Self-referral genitourinary medicine service with open access clinic every weekday with registration from 8.30-10am or book on 0141-211 8601. Women's counselling and groups for eating disorders etc at Centre for Women's Health. E-mail: helpsandyford@glacomen.scot.nhs.uk. WWW: http://www.sandyford.org/ SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS: Men's Sexual Health Recovery Group for the sexually driven and those at risk. A fellowship of men who meet on a regular basis in Edinburgh and Glasgow to stop their compulsive sexual behaviour. Tel: Scottish Helpline on 0141-552 0154 (24 hours). E-mail: info@saarecovery. org WWW: http://www.saa-recovery. org/ SEXUAL HEALTH LINE: Freephone 0800 567123. 24 hours. Confidential advice and information. Minicom: Freephone 0800 521361. WWW: http://www.playingsafely.co.uk/ SMASH: Support for Mental and Sexual Health is a support group for LGBT people in Grampian with mental health issues around their sexuality. Meets twice monthly in the PHACE Scotland offices, running in tandem with the Pillar Mental Health Group. Write: c/o 11 Waverley Place, Aberdeen. AB10 1XH. Tel: 0845 2412151. E-mail: grampian@phacescotland.org STEVE RETSON PROJECT: Sandyford Initiative, 2-6 Sandyford Place (old Eye Infirmary), Glasgow. G3 7NP. A free sexual health screening and counselling service for gay and bisexual men. Clinics run Tue & Wed 5.30- 8.30pm. Also Thu 5.30-8.30pm at the LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street. Same-day HIV test Tue morning 8.30-10am. Tel: 0141-211 8628. Email: johnny.duffy@glacomen.scot.nhs.uk WWW: http://www.steveretsonproject.org.uk/ WAVERLEY CARE: 58a Queen Street, Edinburgh. EH2 3NS. Waverley Care is an agency responsible for a number of projects for people living with AIDS/HIV in the Lothians. Tel: 0131-226 2206. Fax: 0131-226 2209. E-mail: director@ waverleycare.org WWW: http://www.waverleycare.org/ WAVERLEY CARE BUDDY SERVICE: Waverley Care Buddy Service is a volunteer befriending service offering emotional and social 1:1 support for individuals living with HIV in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Write: David Wright, Buddy Service Co-ordinator, c/o Milestone House, 113 Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh. EH14 1EB. Tel: 0131-441 5405 (a private and dedicated phone line). E-mail: buddy@waverleycare.org WAVERLEY CARE DAYCARE SERVICE: Offers a range of daycare activities to people with HIV/AIDS. Tel: 0131-441 2791. WAVERLEY CARE MILESTONE HOUSE: 113 Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh. EH14 1EB. Residential care (primarily respite and paliative care) for people with HIV/AIDS. Tel/Fax: 0131-441 6989. E-mail: milestone@ waverleycare.org WAVERLEY CARE SOLAS HIV/AIDS INFORMATION CENTRE: 2/4 Abbeymount, Edinburgh. EH8 8EJ. Information, support, advice, counselling and a cafe. Cafe: Mon-Fri 11am-4pm. Information Centre: Mon-Fri 11am-4pm. Many support groups and activities outwith these hours, please enquire. Tel: 0131-661 0982. E-mail: solas@waverleycare.org WWW: http://www.waverleycare.org/ OLDER GAYS CAFFMOS: Nationwide Social and Contacts Club for the older gay gentleman and his admirers, both young and old. New Scottish group meets in Edinburgh. Write: PO Box 2273, Hove. BN3 2GF. Tel: Hove (01273) 220995. E-mail: Caffmos2@aol.com Edward is the Scottish Contact - E-mail: ebsc18624@blueyonder.co.uk WWW: http://www.caffmoscommunity.com/ ORDER OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE The Sisters and Brothers of the OPI are part of a world wide order of queer men and women of all sexualities which is open to all who feel the habit. Its tenets are: The expiation of stigmatic guilt and the promulgation of universal joy. WWW: http://www.thesisters.org.uk/ OPI CONVENT OF DUNN EIDEANN: The Edinburgh convent. Write: Sister Athletica de la Bain OPI, c/o PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. E-mail: sisterathletica@drink.demon.co.uk OUTDOOR PURSUITS GAY BIRDERS CLUB: For LGBT Birdwatchers. Write: Gay Birders Club, GeeBeeCee, BCM-Mono, London. WC1N 3XX. Email: info@gbc-online.org.uk WWW: http://www.gbc-online.org.uk/ GAY CARAVAN & CAMPING CLUB: For men and women. Regular meets throughout the UK. Tel: Steve on 07785 338812. E-mail: info@gaycaravanclub.com WWW: http://www.gaycaravanclub.com/ GAY OUTDOOR CLUB: Holds regular events including walking, skiing, cycling, mountaineering, camping, youthhostelling, badminton and swimming. Monthly social evening in Edinburgh on 2nd Thu of month. Please send an A5 sae to PO Box 637, Skellingthorpe, Lincoln, LN6 5XD, or ring one of the Scottish contacts: EDINBURGH: Walks & Social: Grant on 0131-556 8705, Gym & Swimming: Colin on 0131-226 4476. GLASGOW: Walks: Robert on 0141-950 1081, Cycling & Swimming: Douglas on 0870 3215894, Climbing: Jonathan on 0141-334 0812, Badminton: Donn on 07919 410042. HIGHLANDS: Walks & Weekend Trips: Alan on Dores (01463) 751258 & Les on Inverness (01463) 238920. MOUNTAINEERING: Roger on York (01904) 659544. See website for full details about events and how to make contact by E-mail. WWW: http://www.gocscotland.co.uk/. GLASGOW GAY RAMBLERS GROUP: Leisurely walks in the countryside. Bring sensible footwear/clothing and packed lunch. 2nd Sat of each month. Meet at Mitchell Library, Berkeley Street. No membership - just turn up. Cars normally shared. Tel: Robert on 0141-950 1081. E-mail: robert@gocscotland.org.uk PARENTS EDINBURGH LESBIAN MOTHERS GROUP (ELMG): Informal network of parents and women trying to be parents. See listing for Lesbian Mothers Network (Scotland) for contact details. GAY DADS SCOTLAND: Meets on last Thu of each month at 8pm in Sala Cafe, 60 Broughton Street. Glasgow meetings on 2nd Mon of each month at the Glasgow LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street. Also meets socially each month in different cities. Contact for details or view the web site. Tel: 07791 188742. Email: info@gaydadsscotland.org.uk WWW: http://www.gaydadsscotland.org.uk/ GLASGOW LESBIAN MOTHERS GROUP: Meets last Sat of each month. Contact Ruth Black on 0141-221 7203. E-mail: admin1@glgbt.org.uk LESBIAN MOTHERS NETWORK (SCOTLAND): Tel: Sue Robertson on 0131-556 3899/4563. Fax: 0131-557 7899. Write: One Parent Families Scotland, 13 Gayfield Square, Edinburgh. EH1 3NX. E-mail: suerobertson@opfs.org.uk WWW: http://www.opfs.org.uk/ PARENTS' ENQUIRY SCOTLAND: Coming out? Information and support for parents of LGBT people. Helpline and admin: Tel: 0131-556 6047 before 10pm. Write: c/o ScotsGay Magazine, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. E-mail: parentsenquiry@hotmail.com WWW: http://www.parentsenquiryscotland.org/ RAINBOW FAMILIES HIGHLAND: Support, advice and information for LGBT parents and families. Regular newsletter. Phone Maria on Beauly (01463) 782797 after 6.30pm and at weekends. E-mail: maria@scotland-info.co.uk or Write: c/o Reach Out Highland, 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness. IV1 1NB. POLITICAL GAY CONSERVATIVES: Represents the gay community to the Conservative Party. Write: BM TORCHE, London WC1N 3XX. INTERCOURSE: Network devoted to encouraging discussion about sex, sexuality and relationships. Send SAE for free leaflets. Write: Intercourse, c/o 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh. EH7 5HA. Email: info@intercourse.org.uk WWW: http://www.intercourse.org.uk/ LIBERAL PARTY LESBIAN AND GAY CAMPAIGN: Tel: 0151-259 5935 (Telephone Answering Machine). Write: 41 Sutton Street, Liverpool. L13 7EG. E-mail: libgay@libparty.demon.co.uk WWW: http://www.liberal.org.uk/ OUT FOR INDEPENDENCE: The SNP's LGBT Group, has been established to bring together lesbians, bisexuals, gay men and transgender people who support Independence, and to act as a forum within the SNP to discuss LGBT issues. Write: Out for Independence, 107 McDonald Road, Edinburgh. EH7 4NW. PRISONERS FREE MAGAZINES FOR PRISONERS: Copies of ScotsGay are sent free of charge to prisoners in UK prisons and institutions. Please contact us if you wish to be added to the mailing list. REAL ALE LESBIAN AND GAY REAL ALE DRINKERS: Formerly Diverse Drinkers, this is the Edinburgh group of CAMRA's Task Group for LGBT real ale and cider fans. Meets in The Regent 1st Mon of each month from 9pm to sample the brewers' art (except Aug when it is the 2nd Mon to avoid GBBF). Tel: Karen on 0131-557 8790. E-mail: diversedrinkers@drink.demon.co.uk WWW: http://www.lagrad-edinburgh.org.uk/ UK LGBT real ale pub listings can be found at WWW: http://www.lagrad.org.uk/ RESIDENTIAL EVENTS EDWARD CARPENTER COMMUNITY: Runs residential events for gay men in SW Scotland, and other places (mainly the English Lake District). ECC organises events for gay men to get together in a supportive environment as an alternative to the commercial scene. Write: Edward Carpenter Community, BM ECC, London. WC1N 3XX. Tel: 08703 215121. E-mail: info@edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk WWW: http://www.edwardcarpentercommunity. org.uk/ SPORTS ABERDEEN GAY MEN'S SWIMMING GROUP: Swim every Wed from 8pm onwards. Tel: David on Aberdeen (01224) 317552. E-mail: agmsg@drink.demon.co.uk CALEDONIAN THEBANS: Caledonian Thebans Rugby Football Club is Scotland's first gay friendly rugby club. Predominantly made up of gay/bi men, but all are welcome. Instruction and practice by experienced members. Learn the game and get fit. No experience necessary. Tel: 07074 843226. Email: membership@thebans-rfc.co.uk WWW: http://www.thebans-rfc.co.uk/ GAY GOLF CLUB: Tel: Dan on 0141-946 8290. E-mail: tierney_daniel@hotmail.com GLASGOW GAY AND LESBIAN BADMINTON CLUB: Meets every Thu from 8-10pm. Come along and have fun and enjoy meeting the other members for a friendly game. All welcome. Tel: Donn on 07919 410042 (6-11pm). GLASGOW LGB RUNNING GROUP: Every Tue eve: run starts at 7pm. Meets at the main entrance to Bellahouston Leisure Centre. Choice of distances around Bellahouston and Pollok parks to cater for various levels of fitness and motivation. An admission for the use of changing room, lockers and showers only is available at the Leisure Centre for £2. We aim to be changed and ready to start running at 7pm. Contact Chris by E-mail: running@gocscotland. org.uk or Tel: 07786 263274 (or text). GLASGOW SWIMMING GROUP: Meets informally during adults-only session 7.30-9pm Thu at North Woodside Pool, Braid Square. Tel: Douglas on 0141-649 5896. See website for details of how to make contact by Email. WWW: http://www.gocscotland.org.uk/ GAY FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS NETWORK: Write: GFSN Membership Secretary, c/o Central Station, 37 Wharfdale Road, London. N1 9SE. Tel: Barry on Stony Stratford (01908) 564085. E-mail: skyblueandwhite@btinternet.com WWW: http://www.gfsn.org.uk GOC CYCLING GROUP: Runs on 2nd Sun of each month (except Dec) throughout Central Scotland. Tel: Douglas on 0870 3215894. See website for full details about events and how to make contact by email. WWW: http://www.gocscotland.org.uk/. TEAM SCOTLAND BADMINTON CLUB: Glasgow based gay and lesbian badminton club meets twice weekly for competitive games. International tournaments and matches against clubs in London and Europe are held annually. Sorry - no beginners. Tel: Raymond on 0141- 778 9220. E-mail: teamscotland@gaysport.info WWW: http://www.gaysport.info/teamscotland/ STUDENTS Many Universities and Colleges have Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Societies. Contact these via your Student Union or Student Association. ScotsGay also links to a number of LGBT Soc websites from our own web page at http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ Many LGBT Socs are open to non-students living in the area. Tel: NUS Scotland LGBT Officer on 0131-556 6598. Fax: 0131-557 5679. Write: Scott Cuthbertson, LGBT Officer, NUS Scotland, 29 Forth Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LE. E-mail: mail@nus-scotland.org.uk TV/TS ABERDEEN: 3G (Grampian Gender Group). Offers support, help and a safe environment for Transgendered People. Meets 3rd Sat of each month Noon- 5pm. Tel: Gillian on 07050 562175. Mon 7- 9pm. E-mail: Gillian_abdn@yahoo.co.uk EDINBURGH: Edinburgh TV/TS Group. Tel: Louise on Dunfermline (01383) 852529 or Lorraine on Kinghorn (01592) 891344. E-mail: louisewight1@yahoo.co.uk EDINBURGH: TransAlba aims to support both pre and post-op transexuals, their families and friends. Helpline: 07961 574880 (Mon-Fri 6-10pm). E-mail: transalba03@aol.com WWW: http://www.transalba.org/ Trans Men Scotland - for all FTM's, transmen, transsexual, transgender, pre-op, post-op, nonop, exploring options, living long term, in transition - or however else you might define. If you are or were born female bodied and define yourself as male some or all of the time you will be welcome to a new support group for all trans men in Scotland. Meets 7.30pm on the 2nd Sat of each month at the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. For further info Tel: Maxwell or Lewis on 0131-477 0525. WWW: http://www.transmenscotland.org.uk/ GLASGOW: Crosslynx TV/TS/TG Group meets 2nd Wed of each month from 7-10pm. Tel: Crosslynx Helpline on 0141-847 0787 (Mon 7.30- 9.30pm). Write: c/o 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. E-mail: caroltaylortg@tesco.net INVERNESS: Highland T Group 2nd Wed of each month at 7pm at 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness. Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585 (Mon-Fri 9.30am- 4.30pm). E-mail: tgroup@reachouthighland.org.uk WORKPLACE AFLAGA: The Armed Forces Lesbian & Gay Association (formerly Rank Outsiders). Support group for all serving and LGBT ex members. Write: BCM Box 8431, London. WC1N 3XX. National Helpline: 0870 740 7755 (24 hours). E-mail: info@aflaga.org.uk WWW: http://www.aflaga. org.uk/ EIS GAY AND LESBIAN NETWORK: Write: Veronica Rankin, National Officer (Education and Equalities), 46 Moray Place, Edinburgh. EH3 6BH. Tel: Veronica Rankin on 0131-225 6244. E-mail: vrankin@eis.org.uk FIRE BRIGADES UNION GAY AND LESBIAN SUPPORT GROUP: For firefighters and control staff. Write: National Gay And Lesbian Committee, PO Box 10555, London. N1 8XT. Tel: 07801 047620. E-mail: gal01@fbu-ho.org.uk WWW: http://www.fbu.org.uk/ GAY POLICE ASSOCIATION IN SCOTLAND: Membership is open to all police officers and police staff, serving or retired. Write: Inspector David Lyle, Police Headquarters, Fettes Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 1RB. Tel: 0131-311 3218. Email: alan@gpascotland.com (Strathclyde) or david@gpascotland.com (L&B and all other forces). WWW: http://www.gpascotland.com/ GMB SCOTLAND EQUAL RIGHTS GROUP: Write: Regional Equal Rights Officer, GMB Scotland, Fountain House, 1/3 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow. G3 7UJ. Tel: 0141-352 8143. E-mail: richard.leonard@gmb.org.uk UNISON: Glasgow City Lesbian & Gay Group. Meets monthly on Payday Tuesday in the Glasgow LGBT Centre at 6pm. Tel: Neil MacInnes on 07810 358139. E-mail: macinnesneil@aol.com Scotland L&G Committee. Write: Neil MacInnes, Secretary, UNISON House, 14 West Campbell Street, Glasgow. G2 6RX. Tel: 0141-332 0006 or Neil MacInnes on 07810 358139. E-mail: macinnesneil@aol.com WWW: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/lesbiangay/ West Network. For Unison members in the West of Scotland. Meets quarterly. Tel: Neil MacInnes on 07810 358139. E-mail: macinnesneil@aol.com YOUTH GROUPS ABERDEEN LGBT YOUTH GROUP: New LGBT group for people between the ages of 16 & 25. Meets every Wed from 7.30-9.30pm at 11 Waverley Place, Aberdeen. Tel: 0845 2412151. E-mail: grampian@phacescotland.org HIGHLAND GAY, LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL YOUTH GROUP: Meets 7.30pm 1st Wed of each month at 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness. Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm). E-mail: support@reachouthighland.org.uk LGBT YOUTH SCOTLAND: John Cotton Centre, 10 Sunnyside, Edinburgh. EH7 5RA. Provides services and opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people (13-25) in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, Borders, Tayside and Dumfries & Galloway. The groups include drop-ins at their Edinburgh offices for under-18's (Wed) and for over 18's (Thu). They also have a range of different opportunities to get involved with, including volunteering and projects involving video and arts work, and they offer training services. Advice, support and housing services are also available in Southeast Scotland - Tel: Dumfries (01387) 739888. Nationally, they run regular events for young people to get involved in local and national decision- making, and to make new pals and have a laugh. Confidential Youthline Tel: 0845 113 0005 (Tue 7.30-9pm). Office Tel/Fax: 0131- 622 2266 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm). E-mail: info@lgbtyouth.org.uk WWW: http://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/ The website has details of Youth Groups throughout Scotland. LIPS - LESBIANS IN PEER SUPPORT: Project supporting young lesbians and bisexual women aged 25 and under. Offers a safe space for young lesbian and bisexual women to meet, providing information, support and activities. Meets 2nd & 4th Thu of each month from 7- 9pm at Glasgow Women's Library, 109 Trongate, Glasgow. Contact Genevieve for more details or just turn up. Tel: 0141-552 8345/7539. E-mail: gwl@womenslibrary. org.uk Calendar online at WWW: http://www.womens-library.org.uk/ VIVIDYOUTH: For young LGBT people aged 15-25. Meets at the Glasgow LGBT Centre on Tue from 7.30- 9.30pm. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- VENUES ====== * 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. WWW: http://www.bar-indigo.com/ WELLMAN'S 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 prebooked 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. 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/ DE VILS* 9 Seafield Road East, Portobello. Tel: 0131- 657 5575. Mon-Thu Noon-10pm. Fri-Sat Noon 8pm. Sun 2-8pm. New gay sauna. Entry £5. DISKO BLOODBATH eGo, 14 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7434. 11pm-3am. Monthly. 1st and 3rd Wed of each month. Next dates: Wed 7th & 21st Sep. 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 8th Sep. "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 date: Sat 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: Sat 3rd & 17th Sep. Sat 3rd Sep is also the date of Mingin' Ahoy!, the infamous boat trip on the Forth. Tickets for the cruise on the Forth cost £15 which includes coach travel from Edinburgh to South Queensferry and back, three hours sailing up and down the Forth accompanied by a thunping sound system and then free entry to Mingin' afterwards. Tickets are available from The Regent Bar. £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. E-mail: 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 HIV/AIDS 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 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.tasteclubs.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 date: Sat 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 10th Sep. 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 2nd Sep: "Blokes Night". 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/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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, August 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. 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