4 Scottish Gems a Day’s Drive from Edinburgh with Migrating Miss

About the blogger: Originally from New Zealand, Sonja is a travel blogger based in Edinburgh. Having been to over 40 countries and lived in 6, she spends her days blogging on Migrating Miss, freelance writing and planning future travels.

Although summer is on its way out, autumn is just as good a reason/season to get out of the city and hit the road for quick trip or short break. As temperatures cool and the landscapes turn to shades of red, yellow and brown, an autumn road trip can be as refreshing as it is colourfully picturesque. 

Scotland is the perfect place for such a trip; with a variety of attractions that mix the beautiful countryside with its rich and historical culture. For some ideas a new road trip taking in 10 hidden gems a day’s drive from Edinburgh has been created by local blogger Sonja Bolger with car hire company Avis. Four of the locations that Sonja chose are detailed below. 

The Kelpies 

A perfect example of wondrous art set in equally astounding nature, the Kelpies are a fantastic gem to visit. Found in Helix Park in Falkirk, just under an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, the metallic horse head sculptures are 30 metres high and weigh an amazing 300 tonnes – each! Created by Scottish artist Andy Scott, the horses were modelled on two local workhorses named Duke and Baron.

Doune Castle

If you’re on the hunt for history with a side of entertainment trivia, Doune Castle is the answer. Thanks to its pristine condition, it’s been used as a filming location in a variety of films and TV series; many of the castle scenes in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Winterfell Castle in Game of Thrones, and Castle Leoch in Outlander. Monty Python director Terry Jones even narrates the audio guide! The surrounding views of the countryside from the top of its tower are also awesome. Just over an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, Doune Castle is well worth the drive.

Photo credit: National Trust Scotland

Culross Palace

Another historical gem with modern fame, Culross Palace has seen a new wave of tourism thanks to being used in the TV series Outlander. Once belonging to wealthy Scottish merchant Sir George Bruce, it’s particularly eye catching due to its distinctive yellow colour and beautiful floral gardens. Culross is also an incredibly pretty town, with cobblestone streets and grand medieval architecture and monuments.

Luss Smokehouse

Situated on the edge of Loch Lomond, Luss is a charming small town that’s an ideal place for a day trip. There are a variety of shops selling trinkets, tartans and all sorts of local produce. One that stands out is The Luss Smokehouse, a fish smoker and shop selling locally caught salmon and trout. They also sell picnic hampers, sandwiches, and other delicious treats such as local fudge. Grab a bite and enjoy by the tranquil waters of Loch Lomond – probably one of the most scenic spots in the UK.

To learn more about these Scottish gems and to see Sonja’s other choices, please check out the Edinburgh Road Trip here.

Father’s Day with Craft Design House

Craft Design House is an online shop where you can easily find and buy or commission original objects, accessories and fashion pieces directly from the skilled designers, artists and crafts people that create them.

Nothing in our shop is ordinary or mass market. We bring a rich diversity of stories and inspiration from every designer and maker.

Don’t forget to treat your dad this month! There’s still plenty time to order online and have your item delivered in time for Father’s Day.

Whether your budget is £20 or £295, see our distinctly stylish ideas that are sure to impress – from Harris Tweed toiletry bags to iPhone Amplifiers.

Entrepreneur

The modern day man prides himself on looking sharp and your dad can too with these Sterling Silver Cufflinks.

Lichen Cufflinks, £120

Coffee Addict

If your dad loves his coffee then this is the ultimate gift that won’t break the bank either.

Ink Blue Shot Cup Pair, £20

Cycling Commuter

The classic Thomas Saddle bag is a traditional leather cycling bag that you would find in your grandparents attic. It’s been designed to keep the old traditional feel, but adjusted for modern life to fit your essential cycling needs.

Thomas Saddle Cycling Bag, £185

Travelling Man

Stylish but practical Harris Tweed toilet bag – this is the perfect gift for the travelling man about town – available in an optimum size that will fit all those grooming necessities neatly inside for a short trip away.

Gents Toiletry Bag, £45

Rock ‘N’ Roll Star

Connecting modern technology with the nostalgic style of the gramophone, the Resound series enhances the iPhone’s music through natural materials. 

Resound No.1 – iPhone Amplifier, £295

Find Craft Design House...

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The Top 5 Products for a Day at the Beach with Word of Rachel

Summer is on the way in. And that means a change in, well, just about everything! Clothing goes from thick and snuggly to light and airy. We swap our evenings from indoor activities to pub beer gardens and spend our days gazing out at the sun soaked world. We book holidays and enviously glare at the endless pictures our Facebook and Instagram friends snap. And most importantly, we hit the beach!

But what do we need when we hit the beach? We all have a checklist. We usually bring a towel, an on point bikini or swimsuit, our sunglasses, and sun protection. But with those beach bags being so big, we’re often tempted to fill them. What with? Well, that’s where I come in.

Long days spent exposed in the sun call for some pretty essential products. You may be thinking of makeup, but which products protect you from sun damage? You might think of sun protection, but will it stand long exposure, water, and sweat? What about after sun? Will after sun work on the body and the face? It’s a lot more complicated than you’d think…

So, here are the products I can’t be without on the beach, and you shouldn’t be either!

Water

Not a beauty product as such, but if you’re planning on spending a whole day in the scorching heat and sun you need to be hydrated! Plastic bottles from the supermarket will do, but the environmentally conscious among us may want to opt for a refillable bottle. Drink up!

Sun Protection

I can almost hear the ‘yeah, we know’ echoing across the lands atop a bed of eye rolls! But sun protection isn’t as simple as picking up the cheapest bottle and hoping for the best. Here are a few things that should be considered when you pick up your chosen bottle of SPF:

• They are not all the same. The cheapest is cheap for a reason. Get a trusted brand, such as Garnier or Nivea. Once you choose a brand, look at the products on offer. There are a lot of things to consider, such as consistency and even colour. A transparent one, such as this Garnier example won’t leave white marks but will not spread as easily. This Nivea one will spread more easily, but may not actually aid tanning if you need a higher SPF. 

• Burn easily? Then do not be swayed by tanning oils with SPF. Or be tempted to opt for a lower SPF than you need. If you struggle to tan, there are always options in a bottle. Do not risk the devastating effects of UV radiation in the name of vanity! If you’re pale skinned and burn easily, go for SPF 30or even 50. Last summer I made the mistake of thinking I could pass on SPF 20. Sunburn is painful…

Avoid unflattering sunburn by investing in the correct SPF!

• Some products do work better than others, such as this one. If you’re a little forgetful when it comes to reapplying, this might be an option for you.

• Remember to reapply! Sweating, swimming and time will wear away that protection. Even sun protectants that promise to last all day should be re-applied to stay safe.

My personal favourite brand, year on year are Garnier and Nivea. They’re affordable, and they work. My friend also introduced me to this fantastic all day facial sunscreen which although a little expensive makes a perfect base for makeup.

Lip Balm

Sun, sea and sand may sound ideal but it is drying as hell! Your lips are the only part of your body that can’t make their own moisture. So make sure you have a handy lip product to go. Several sun care brands have lip products with SPF packed in for example, this one or this one. A handy tin of Vaseline never goes amiss for a cheap and effective option, but remember that this will melt if left in a hot bag all day!

Sunglasses

More than a fashion accessory, sunglasses are essential protection for the eyes! Avoid feeling like you can’t drag your eyes open when the sun is blazing on that pale coloured sand and make sure you have them on! It’s easy to get some sunnies that look amazing too! Try Topshop sunglasses, New Look sunglasses, accessorise sunglasses, or if budget isn’t a problem for you, Quay Australia has the best selection of fashionable sunnies.

Foundation with SPF

Needing to keep skin protected doesn’t mean you need to skimp on the beauty! Use a base product with SPF and reapply throughout the day, as you would SPF. Remember, more brands than ever are bringing out base products with higher SPF content. Products for daily use will not cover this. Don’t want to apply heavy foundation for a beach day? Try a sun protection product specifically designed for the face, such as this one previously mentioned.

So there you have it; the top 5 things that you need for a day at the beach. Remember, you can have all of the accessories in the world, but nothing looks good with sunburn! Always protect yourself!

Find Rachel...

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Anxiety vs Confidence with a wee bit blue

Hi! I'm Jen, from Glasgow. I tweet @aweebitblue and my blog is aweebitblue too! I mainly blog about mental health, with some poems thrown in for good measure.

What happens when a confident person becomes ill with anxiety? I am not a shy person. I am quiet, yes, but I would say that I'm quietly confident. I am not naturally nervous in new situations, and I can talk to anyone. I have lived and worked abroad, and moved and made new friends more times than I care to remember. I can stand in front of large groups, give presentations, talks, you name it - I can do it. 

But I have a problem. A problem called anxiety. 

Because the truth is that even though the above is who I am, forms a large part of my personality, it's been almost a year now since I last felt entirely comfortable leaving the flat on my own, and recently it's been getting worse. Groups of people terrify me and I wouldn't touch public speaking with a barge-pole! 

Anxiety is a constant part of my life just now. On a good day, I can go about my day. I am aware of the undercurrent of quietly-jaw-clenching anxiety, but I can use whatever confidence I can muster to push past to get stuff done. I function. By the end of the day, my teeth ache and my head aches from the constant tension. 

On a bad day, it's not so straightforward. Even considering going out makes my heart feel fluttery. Like a wee bird that would rather be elsewhere. But, again this can usually be pushed through with confidence (sometimes with the help of medication). 

It's when it's at it's worst, when I have a panic attack and then definitely I can't leave the house until I calm myself down enough to start breathing again, when I can't seem to find any of my own quiet confidence, enough of my own true personality, to push me past the physical and mental symptoms. This is what I resent most. 

I just can't get used to trying to do the things I used to do so easily, and the anxiety saying: 'no...no way'. I will always resent the fact that anxiety has taken away parts of my personality over the past couple of years. I don't want to get used to it either. I know It's going to take a bit of work, but I'd like the old me back, please? 

I think that's why anxiety is such a debilitating illness; it can strike anyone, and strip down all their reserves. So who ever you are, no matter how confident and self assured you may be naturally, you can be well and truly knocked. 

If you are being knocked down by anxiety (whether you're confident or not!), and you're not sure how to get back up, here are some great places to get advice: NHS Choices eLament - Lanarkshire Mental Health Mind - Anxiety

Find Jen...

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Greater Grassmarket’s Vintage Fashion Show Returns

A weekend of free entertainment celebrating all things vintage The Greater Grassmarket Business Improvement District’s (BID) free Vintage Fashion Show returns to Edinburgh for the second year, as part of the Vintage Weekend on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30thApril from 12pm – 5pm.

The catwalk Vintage Fashion Show will feature Edinburgh’s finest vintage wares sourced from Greater Grassmarket retailers including Armstrongs Vintage Emporium and Godiva Boutique. Taking place at 2pm, the catwalk show will focus on fashion for all occasions from evening to day wear plus vintage looks for the summer season.

Also returning this year is the Vintage Variety Show, hosted by burlesque and cabaret group Gypsy Charms, with performances taking place from 12pm, 1pm and 3pm. Acts include The Great Aziz, a multi-award winning magician, Scottish cabaret group the French Fling Showgirls, The Saw Guy who will be performing beautiful melodies in a peculiar way, and Deux Ailes, an acrobatic duo creating mesmerising routines both in the air and on the ground. From 4pm each day, Glasgow-based rockabilly band, The Shiverin’ Sheiks, will be performing their hits to get visitors dancing.

On Saturday, visitors can admire Edinburgh’s most colourful hot rods and vintage cars, whilst on Sunday the Distinguished Gentleman’s Bike Club will be showcasing their classic bikes alongside classic bike dealers such as Royal Enfield Edinburgh who will be offering information and advice to visitors on classic bike culture. From 12pm – 5pm both days, visitors can pick up vintage clothing and classic bric-a-brac treasures from the Vintage Market. Throughout the weekend there will also be an array of performers taking to the streets to keep children entertained.

This event follows on from the successful 2016 Vintage Weekend which increased footfall to the area by 61%. The Vintage Weekend is one of a number free events that the Greater Grassmarket BID has lined up this spring/summer to attract visitors to the area. 

 Norrie Stewart, Grassmarket BID Project Manager, says: “We’re excited to bring our Vintage Weekend back, and it’s even bigger and better than last year. With over 50 independent retailers in the area, many of which specialise in vintage goods and antiques, the Greater Grassmarket is the perfect destination for vintage lovers and collectors. 

“Whether it’s shopping for vintage items, admiring the classic cars or enjoying the retro entertainment, we want our Vintage Weekend to encourage the whole family to celebrate all things vintage.”

Want to find out more? Check out their website.

The i-on Breakthrough Awards

Since the launch of i-on magazine back in 2005, we’ve done our best to shout about the people who help to make Edinburgh and Glasgow what they are. So, with this in mind, we bring you the inaugural i-on Breakthrough Awards in association with Pickering's Gin, a celebration of emerging talent in Scotland. People living and working in Edinburgh and Glasgow who are excelling in their field; the people who i-on magazine, with its judging panel and readers, anticipate to be the names to talk about in 2018. If you’re one of them, enter below by noon on Sunday 14 May 2017.

There are six categories in total covering a range of fields, including the Bloggers category in association with LOOKLOOK. Here we’re looking for the top online voices and journalists across interiors, food, lifestyle, travel, fashion and more. Whatever you’re passionate about, get in touch.

The prize

Winners will be announced at the i-on Breakthrough Awards winners’ party at Mansfield Traquair, Edinburgh, on Wednesday 13 September 2017 and will appear in the October issue of the magazine and online. One overall winner will be championed by i-on throughout 2018 and will receive a bespoke 12 month marketing campaign in i-on magazine and www.ionmagazine.co.uk worth £15,000.

How it works

You’ll need to fill in a short application form and then a shortlist of entrants will be announced on the i-on website on 29 May 2017 and in the June issue of the magazine. After a voting period, the finalists will meet our judging panel on Thursday 24 August to give a five minute presentation before the category winners, and one overall winner, are chosen.

Enter now

Enter by noon on Sunday 14 May 2017 by emailing your completed application form to breakthrough@ionmagazine.co.uk. Click here to download the application form.

Find out more

To see the full list of categories, plus information about the judges, rules of entry and frequently asked questions, head to www.ionmagazine.co.uk/awards.

How to Handle Your Own Outreach as a Small Business

This is Max from Anderson Transport Edinburgh. Outreach is one aspect of online marketing that we've really struggled with since deciding to amp up our online presence. We know that people have to be talking about you online if you want to create a buzz around your business, so we've always understood the importance of outreach. Firstly, we tried to outsource it to an agency, but found that they weren't really representing our business in a way that we thought was reflective of how we operate. So we decided to do it ourselves! The only problem that we faced was that the agency had created all of the content that they were using for outreach, and we didn't have the same resources to create similar content. The type of content that they were creating were large guides and informational pieces which not only took hours to produce, but also cost money to research properly. Luckily, we found a type of content that we could produce quickly and for free. 

Infographics are so 2013, or so we were told by the agency when we asked them if they would ever want to use them as part of their outreach strategy. But after we dropped them, we decided that we would try to produce our own and use it for our own outreach efforts. We found a free online tool that allowed us to quickly produce an infographic for free, all we had to do was decide what to create the infographic about!

Whenever we're planning a website change, we always consult the Google Keyword Planner to ensure that any changes made to the site will match up with the keywords that are relevant to our business. If you're a business owner who has never used this tool then you're missing a trick! Not only is it completely free, but it can help you to learn about how people find your business online.

However, we decided that we wanted to use the data from the keyword planner to help us create an infographic which we could use for outreach purposes. We searched for keywords related to the services that we provide (like 'removals' and 'man and van'), and took note of how many people in the UK were searching for these services every month. We then organised this information into an attractive infographic, which we designed ourselves using the free tool Venngage.

It's definitely not a masterpiece, but it's something that we were able to put together in a matter of hours with a free tool and free information from Google. We then looked to see where we could promote the infographic, and the obvious place to start was Reddit, where these types of informational content pieces tend to perform very well. We quickly generated a few hundred views and lots of positive feedback.

We then looked for news websites and blogs in our niche, where we could promote our content. Using simple Google searches like 'removals news', we quickly found a good list to send our infographic to. The email wasn't too complicated, we simply told them what we had and asked if they'd be interested in using it for their site. To our delight, many of them did.

Companies will pay thousands for agencies to create and promote content for them, and it's understandable. The entire process can be very daunting. But hopefully we've proven that you can handle outreach yourself and still get good results without paying lots!

Find Anderson Transport...

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The Edinburgh Iranian Festival: A Window on Iran

Be honest – when you think of Iran, what comes to mind first? We’d love it if you said “its incredible food”, or “I hear it has an amazing cinema scene”. But let’s face it: the first thing most of you will think about is negative news headlines about the country’s politics.

And that’s where we come in.

You might be surprised to hear that Edinburgh and Glasgow have thriving Iranian communities – it’s estimated that there are 5,000 Iranians living in Scotland.

And every two years, a small team of volunteers come together to put on a festival celebrating Iran’s world-class culture – with the aim of better integrating Iranian and Scottish communities. 

The Edinburgh Iranian Festival hopes to address misconceptions about Iran by introducing Scotland to the heart and soul of the country – from its film and music, through to its food and photography.

This year's festival line-up includes:

• Music concert at the Assembly Hall with the renowned Iranian soprano Darya Dadvar, who will be accompanied by musicians from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The orchestral arrangements have been composed specifically for this event by Glasgow-based conductor, Amin Keshmiri. 
• Persian cookery demonstration at the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, with Chef Zohreh Shahrabi. Zohreh is part of the London-based Mazi Mas cooking collective. 
• Iranian film season organised in collaboration with the Filmhouse Cinema Edinburgh Many of the films are Scottish, if not UK, premieres.
• Talk and guided show and tell of the National Museum of Scotland’s Iranian collection. 
• Photography exhibition on the theme of “A window on my Iran”, which will feature contemporary Iranian photographers, at the Filmhouse Cinema Cafe. 
• Performance in collaboration with Burns for Beginners that pits the Scottish bard’s works against those of Persian poet Hafez 
• Showing of award-winning play, Mimi’s Suitcase, on the theme of identity and homeland 
• A day of tourism-related talks at Nomad’s Tent courtesy of Persian Pursuits and PersiaPort. 

So what are you waiting for? Broaden your horizons this February, and check out the festival! With so many events, many of them free, there’s something to suit everyone.

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10 Things I’ve Learnt About Living on an Island with The Static Gypsy

I moved to the Isle of Skye in 2010 from a village just north of London. In the last few years I’ve learnt a lot about living in such a remote part of the world, and most of it is exactly what you might expect of a quiet island life. So here are ten things I’ve learnt about living on a Scottish island.

1. It can and will snow pretty much any month in the year.
2. Most people are known solely by nicknames.
3. It’s socially acceptable to live in a caravan.
4. There’s no rat race.
5. The views!
6. Everyone says hello when they pass you on the street.
7. Finding work is incredibly competitive.
8. The local supermarket is the hub of life!
9. It’s safe enough to leave your doors unlocked.
10. No one bats an eye to driving two hours through mountains and snow for a days’ shopping.

There’s so much more I could say about living on an island, but then I’d be going on for days and days! There are bad things, obviously, but for the most part, life on Skye is pretty idyllic. And given that it recently topped the Daily Records list of ‘Most Desirable Places To Live In The UK’, I’d say most of the UK is pretty clued up on how lucky I am to live where I do!

Find Liv...

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Bloggy Pages: Before Blogcess, Foreplay with Lee Goldground

A big and slightly nervous, spotty, teenage handshake to you, Scotblogger reader. Two lies straight away that come with the turf:

1. I don’t know you and you don’t know me, so we have to pretend we’re saying hello for real. I hope you’re good at it, it’s all we’ve got.

2. The big and slightly nervous, spotty, teenage handshake is metaphor – I was born in the 70s.

You might remember it, you might be in the middle of it, you might be terrified of it, but it’s there as the only universal truth Buddha left out: foreplay. 

Without it, nothing comes. I’ve spent 9 years writing the debut – can you call a 9 year novel a debut? Sounds a bit artsy. A bit of me just calls it a miracle. It’s a miracle the bloody thing got finished with the rips life decided to spring along the way. Maybe, when we know each other better, I’ll fill you in on the rips. But not yet. I don’t trust you. No hard feelings. 

But blogging. It’s the most exciting, fumbling, bound-to-get-it-wrong-I’ve-gone-in-too-quick-I-think-it’s-over pulse-quaking terrorbuzz there is, but we have no choice – unless we try, we’re never going to learn what each other likes. Maybe even loves. 

It’s my first ‘guestblog’ since completing the fiction. It’s a weird name, guestblog; far too formal for what is, in reality, an up-close, knuckly-gut, skin on skin first snog-with-words experience. I like it so far. But I have no idea what to do. I’m doing what I do when I write – one word at a time, feel the feelings, go with it, hoping you’re enjoying it and loving every minute. 

It’s a faith-fumble. 

Making a mess in the knowledge we’re both going to get a lot better. 

We all want great cess. Success for our lives, blogcess for our blogs, whether we’re reading or writing them.We’ll get there. We’re getting there. Many of you already are there, I’m sure. It’s about not being scared to come away with a few bloggy pages in your hand now and then. 

Writing’s weird, eh? And reading? Don’t get me started. I don’t think any writer wants a ‘reader, or a reader a 'writer'. At least, I don’t think I do. We want people, you, me, contact, a banter, the mini-contract of two ‘Alright?’s in the staff-room or pub or cafe or bus stop or tube. The introducey stuff. Then, when we’re ready, the meaningful mindy stuff that never leaves your head, that burns and concerns and inspires and confuses and incites and falls away and grows again. 

Do you think we should stop? Before the hear us in the next room? I was supposed to be writing a couple of sentences to lead into the blog, but it turns out the first sentences, the first faith-fumbles, are the complete experience. And what's the rush? The book can wait – maybe next time. As we said, the truth – foreplay – has to be conquered first. So you might not want to click on this yet. I don’t blame you, take your time. Don’t give your clicks out to just anyone.

Find Lee...

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DIY Christmas Gift Idea | How to Make Your Own Candle with Scotch Miss

Hey everyone,

My name is Abbey and I've only been a blogger for a couple of months, so please go easy on me :-)

My blog is called Scotch Miss, and I try to publish three times a week usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I live just outside Glasgow and I have a particular love for candles and Scottie dogs.

With Christmas rapidly approaching (I mean seriously, it could give Usain Bolt a run for his money!) I thought it would be the perfect time to share with you how I make my own candles. I think these would make gorgeous personal gifts, especially for those Secret Santa dips!

So, without further ado, here's what you'll need to make your own candle;

1 Candle Can
24g Candle Fragrance Oil
211g Soy Wax
1 Wick & Sustainer
Glue Dot/Sticky Pad
Worktop Scales
1 Large Pan
1 Small Pan
1 Measuring Jug

Step 1 - Weight, Boil, Melt.

• Weigh out your soy wax. 
• Fill the larger of your pans to a third of it's volume with water and let it come to the boil. 
• Place your wax into the smaller of your pans and sit it inside the now boiling water, making sure you stir it regularly.

Step 2 - Lets Get Sticky

• Use your glue dots/sticky pads and attach one to the bottom of your wick sustainer. 
• Attach the sticky wick sustainer to the bottom of your candle can, making it as central and straight as possible.

Step 3 - Bottoms Up

• Once your wax has melted, pour it into your measuring jug.
• Add your scent of choice and stir for 2 minutes.
• Pour the wax into your candle can and make sure the wick is centred. If the wick isn't straight, pin it in place using pencils or straws. 
• Leave your candle to set for 4 hours and try not to burn it for a week to let it cure.
• Once the candle has cured, trim the wick to 1/4 inch.

You can leave your candle here, or you can cover the tin with paper or material of your choice. The scent I used for this candle is 'Lord of the Glen' so I chose a brown paper to cover my tin. You can wrap your candle in cellophane wrap with some gorgeous Xmas ribbon if you'd like to gift it for Xmas. Or you can do what I did and add a bit of Xmas ribbon with a candy cane.

I hope you enjoy this post and have fun making your own candles, I'd love to see photos of them so please feel free to tweet them to me @scotchmissblog.

Love and hugs,

Scotch Miss Blog

Find Abbey...

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oPeration BoPo with Something in the Way She Moves

Ly is a plus size fashion/lifestyle blogger and freelance writer. She is a proud veggie, feminist & body positive advocate. You can find her blog at Something in the Way She Moves.

Recently, I have been devoting much of my time to launching what I hope will be an amazing organisation. oPeration BoPo is a body positive project designed to empower people to love the skin they’re in.

The body positive community has changed my life. Discovering plus size bloggers & proponents of self love has allowed to enjoy my body instead of hating it. I really wanted to share that freedom with other people. I looked for a body positive group/project locally and couldn’t found anything that fitted. So, I took a leap of faith and set up my own. oPeration BoPo’s first outing is an art event. The aim is to photograph bodies of all types & use the images for an art exhibit. The hope being that both participants & viewers will find beauty in the photographs.

I am a complete novice at all of this, but I have been surprised by own skills & the generosity of so many people. Our photo shoots took place last week with the help of amazing hair, make up & photographers. I have also been stunned & inspired by the models who have volunteered to take part in the project.

It was incredible to see our models step in front of the camera & really feel themselves. You could actually see how powerful the experience was for some; confidence pouring into their stance. I have had amazing feedback from participants. It is truly beautiful to see my dream of spreading body positivity actually happening.

Our first exhibit will be at Glad Rags, an amazing non profit thrift store. Our ethos happily met. The lovely managers, Bee & Ashley have not only styled some models with their fabulous stock, but have also modelled. The body positive art event opens on Oct 20th at 7.30pm. There will be gift bags, cakes & even some punch. All are welcome.

My hope is to continue with oPeration BoPo. I want to create more projects that allow people to see their bodies in a positive light. I’d also really like to reach diverse groups especially those who would particularly benefit from the self love message. If you are local (I’m based in Glasgow) and would like to get involved please get in touch!

Now for the money bit. Although professionals have very kindly donated their time there are still many costs. oPeration BoPo is not for profit and there is no cost to anyone who participates. If you would like to help me grow the body positive revolution, you can donate here.

Find Ly...

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