Latest News from The Courier
The Courier
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Who are the last people standing in the Keiller Centre - and where will they go if it's knocked down?
'It was empty, but it didn't feel empty at all.' This is how artist Prisma Stream (real name Lea Mattia) describes walking into the Keiller Centre at the height of lockdown in 2021. 'It was the first month I'd been in Dundee,' says Prisma, who hails from Italy and worked in the care sector in Edinburgh for several years prior to relocating. 'I walked in and felt I'd found this magical place. It was energised.' When I pop in on a spring Saturday afternoon, there's certainly a buzz behind the shutters of the under-threat shopping centre. Plans for a new 'Keiller Quarter' could see the place razed and replaced with student accommodation And the corridors may be empty but, as centre boss Kathryn Rattray explains, the centre is actually at 90% capacity, with 15 new short leases signed until October 2025. 'We only have 4 units that are not being occupied at the minute,' she tells me. 'Even though it doesn't look like it.' As Prima unlocks her unit, the metal clanks away to reveal a weird and wonderful world of paintings, music production gadgets and mystery. Used paintbrushes spray up like flowers in an old teapot while a curtained-off studio space looms beyond the stark chequered vinyl. 'It's all a bit makeshift around here, which is what we love,' smiles Prisma, 29. She's part of the artistic community who have in recent years have become the heartbeat of the Keiller Centre, hosting independent clothing pop-up shops, live music events, and even reiki workshops. She's had this unit for just a couple of months, after Kathryn, who runs the centre's Federation Gallery, helped her to find her feet in Dundee. 'That painting there is from Milan, but my friend from Mill O' Mains gave it to me,' says Prisma, jerking her thumb at a small landscape behind her. 'The one next to it is Kathryn's daughter's. That one -' she points into the window of her unit at a giant abstract '- is mine. And we had an artist from Chile in the other day, before that some people from Dunfermline. 'This place really connects people, in a way things like social media don't match.' As we speak, Prisma whooshes around in a flurry of electric blue, raking about for the makings of a cuppa at Federation Gallery's bright and sparkly bar, decked out with shiny foil curtains like a kids' party. There is just enough sugar for two, and she insists on giving me the last spoonful, and a biscuit. There's nowhere to pay; that's not the point. And over the next two hours, I'll see countless wandering souls of every age and background stop here for a chat and a warm brew – some artists, some shoppers, some strangers. I get the sense that for many, this might be the only friendly conversation they have today. 'I love this place because it's so accessible,' Prima says. 'In a sense of community yes, but also that it's all on one level, and right in the middle of town. That's so rare.' Of course, the knife hanging over the conversation is the same one hanging over the centre's head. And for the centre's lingering unit owners, an uncertain future could make their community – and livelihoods – a thing of the past. Robert 'Rab' Lawrence has been cutting keys and repairing shoes in his Sole and Heel Bar for 45 years. He left school in 1970 at 15 and learned his trade in Timpsons. The Keiller Centre opened its doors in 1979, and by mid-1980, Rab had his own business. 'I've been here since it opened, basically,' says Dundee-born Rab. 'Six months after the centre started, I was here. 'You couldn't get moving in here back then. It was the place to shop at that time, really busy.' He's watched from his cobbler's counter as the centre has fallen into a decline over the last 4 decades. Now, he's the only person left who was there at the beginning. 'It's terrible now, there's nothing left,' he says. 'Three shops that are open all the time.' So why has he never moved his shop? 'Because it's been a good place to work,' he smiles. 'We've always been busy, until the last couple of years. But the place has deteriorated badly. 'The doors are all boarded up. People are coming in and saying they thought the place was closed already.' For Rab, it's his long-standing regular customers that have kept his shop afloat. 'We do OK, we've got our regulars and it's enough,' he says. 'But you don't get any passing trade. 'The artists are coming and going, but that's not the sort of people we need.' When the centre closes, that will be the end of Rab's Sole and Heel Bar. 'I'm turning 70, so I'm past retirement age,' he says. 'I'll be OK. I've been here just to be working.' But Rab's shop is one of the last few of an endangered species. 'Only Timpson's, and one shop in Lochee, do what I do,' he explains. 'I'd like to see the Keiller Centre stay open. If it did, I'd stay here as long as I could. 'I like to be working, it's home.' Ashkan Boyanov, 34, runs family business Star Mobiles inside the Keiller Centre, just off the Commercial Street entrance. He tells me Star Mobiles was the first mobile phone repair shop set up in Dundee, back in 2003. 'We really want to stay here, we've been here a long time,' says Ashkan, who hails from Bulgaria originally but has lived in Dundee for 26 years. He is helped out in the shop often by his wife Berna and their young daughters, Alice and Celine, who have grown up as part of the Keiller community. 'We've had lots of good experiences here. I don't want to move. But the centre is closing.' Ashkan currently doesn't know where his business will go after the Keiller Centre shuts. 'I'm looking at a place on the Perth Road, and one in Broughty Ferry,' he says. 'But obviously they are very expensive.' Does he think Star Mobiles will survive post-closure? 'We have to try,' he says. 'We have no choice.' Sara Docherty, from Montrose, and Brian Taylor, from Dundee, make up Order & Kaos, a shared studio unit tucked in off New Inn Entry. The couple each pay for half of the space – designer Sara's half is adorned with brightly-coloured flower graphics, while sculptor Brian's half is a sawdust-filled wood workshop. 'Who says opposites don't attract?' laughs Brian. 'My house is maxed out, his house is maxed out – we really need a space to work in,' laughs Sara. 'We looked at loads of spaces but they were all so expensive. Then we saw a thing in the paper about this place and thought we'd give it a shot. 'Kathryn invited us in for a coffee, and we moved in the next week. That was just in March this year.' For painter and decorator Brian, creating his wooden sculptures is a labour of love. But for Sara, who runs flower-making classes and sells her designs, this space is her livelihood. 'I gave up my job last year, and I'm trying to get as much art done as I possibly can,' she says. The pair are 'devastated' to think about the centre closing so soon after they discovered their 'dream come true' studio. 'We just found it and now it's going away? Oh my God!' laments Brian. 'I can't even say how grateful we are to have it,' adds Sara. 'It feels like a bit of an underground art college here! Like a secret school. 'I don't ever want the Keiller Centre to go.' It's clear to me in one afternoon that underneath the boarded doors and peeling paint, there's a lot of heart left in the Keiller Centre. In the 30th Boys Brigade Good as New charity shop, dedicated volunteers Channyn Hart, Helen Kerr, May Johnstone and Louis Groundwater organise the shop. When Boys Brigade Captain Allan Fordyce comes in, he's in the new minibus that the shop helped to purchase. He tells me that without the shop contributing to activities and running costs, the Dundee boys in the brigade would be impacted. In the middle of the empty corridor, a group of trendy young folk in Doc Martens and oversized shirts congregate around Volk Gallery, the vending machine art gallery which has proved popular with local students over the last 4 years. Then, as I'm about to leave, a flurry of activity. It seems everyone (except Rab, of course) has deserted their units and flocked to one on the other side of the centre. I follow, and find behind a heavy black curtain, a fully decked-out projection room with screen, chairs and an air of excitement. On the screen is the new short film by Dundee musician Howie, which he recently launched on the opening night of anticipated new venue LiveHouse. Howie, dripping with bling and adorned with a feathered hat, crams everyone in and then shows the film, to much applause. Despite its 'dead' reputation, the place is positively jumping. It's hard to imagine where this spirited community will go when the centre closes. But Prisma isn't worried. 'I think I was more upset about it a year ago than I am now. Because I was thinking of all the things we wanted to do, and how we wouldn't have time to do it,' she explains. 'But now we're doing it all, and it's amazing. So I'm not worrying about the future. 'I think the sense of community will always be here in Dundee, whether we have the building or not.'
The Courier
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Courier
Dave Richards reveals Dundee United 'No 1' summer plan
Dave Richards will be working hard this summer to make himself Dundee United's next 'number one'. The Tangerines stopper had to content himself with a place on the bench for the vast majority of last season, with first pick stopper Jack Walton in top form. United had hoped to sign Walton on a permanent basis this summer after two successful loan spells at Tannadice. However, parent club Luton Town have extended his contract by a year, plunging the Tangerines' plans into doubt. Richards has a year remaining on his deal at Tannadice and, after helping United to secure their place in Europe while deputising for the injured Walton in the final two matches of the season, he hopes to start next term the way he finished this one. 'It's always in my head to be number one,' said the 31-year old. 'I work hard every day to make sure I'm in good nick and ready for when the opportunity comes. 'I've played the last two games, so fingers crossed I can go away, put my feet up, come back ready and raring to go for the start of next season.' On United's fourth-placed Premiership finish, Richards added: 'It's absolutely brilliant, especially because we just got promoted. 'I don't know how many newly promoted teams have finished fourth in recent years. We worked really hard this year for it.' After featuring twice in the group stages of the Premier Sports Cup after signing up last summer, Richards found himself playing second fiddle to Walton. Despite his lack of game time, United boss Jim Goodwin revealed the Welshman made himself the 'life and soul' of the dressing room. And when his opportunity arrived in the final week of the campaign, with crucial games to come against Rangers and Aberdeen, he couldn't wait to grasp it. 'From Monday (before United's clash with the Gers), the manager came over and said that I was playing, so get myself prepared and ready,' explained Richards. 'It's been a long time coming, but, I felt good and I felt confident in goal. 'I was a little bit rusty, but obviously that's going to be the case having not played for a while. 'Overall I absolutely loved it.' Richards also loved the scenes at Tannadice after United's last-day win over Aberdeen, when Tangerines fans joined with their heroes to celebrate qualifying for Europe. 'I had goosebumps,' the goalkeeper said. 'I was like, 'Whoa, I like this!' It was really good and to see the fans like that, they all deserve it after what happened a couple of years ago with getting relegated. 'This club deserves to be in Europe. This will be the first for me. 'I'm really, really looking forward to that. 'Fingers crossed I come back in really good shape, ready for pre-season and I have a good go at it.'
The Courier
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Courier
Tributes as Fife 'working class hero' and Unite Scotland chairman John Gillespie dies at 57
John Gillespie, a leading light in Fife's trade union movement and chairman of Unite Scotland, is being remembered as a 'class warrior, campaigner and great comrade' following his death aged 57. The working class hero, of Leslie, who was a stalwart fighter for the union members he represented on Fife Council, was a formidable grassroots activist. He was regarded as a 'trade unionist to his fingertips'. His passing on May 22, with his family by his side, has led to an outpouring of tributes from across the Scottish trade union movement, Labour Party and wider left-wing political landscape. Leading the tributes, Derek Thomson, Unite Scottish secretary described John as a 'wholly unpretentious' man who treated everyone with the same dignity and respect. He told The Courier: 'John was a humble man fiercely proud of his Fife roots. 'His great skill was in finding solutions to difficult issues our union faced but it was always done with a sense of purpose and humility. 'He brought a sense of calm irrespective of the occasion other than when accompanied by his infamous mic and boom box. But there was so much more to John than that public persona. 'Inside Unite, John was very much the go to person to help in difficult situations. He was a unifier and believed fully that the union and its members should come first above any personal or political aspirations. 'He was at heart a grassroots activist. The energy and humour he brought to the negotiating table, picket lines or demonstration on behalf of working people was unique.' Tribute also came from Glenrothes and Mid Fife Labour MP Richard Baker. He said: 'When it came to fighting for those less fortunate, John was always at the forefront, encouraging and inspiring people to stand against injustice and make the world a fairer and better place. 'We've lost a true working-class hero – but John's legacy will live on.' Mid Scotland & Fife Labour MSP Alex Rowley, who is also a former leader of Fife Council, added: 'John was an incredible man who was dedicated to fighting for the rights of working people, the right to have a job, the right for decent pay, terms and conditions. 'No matter the issue, John's approach was always calm, considered but forensic. That is what made him such a brilliant trade union negotiator who was respected throughout the trade union movement. 'He was a real socialist who understood the importance of community and fairness for all. For me personally, it was a privilege to be able to call John my friend.' John Gillespie was born on Saturday August 12 1967, the second child of Betty and John. He was raised in Kirktoun Park, Ballingry, alongside his brother Conn and sister Rosemarie. He was educated at St Kenneth's RC Primary School and St Columba's RC High School. John began an apprenticeship as a slater with the local council, a trade he would dedicate much of his working life to. In 1987, fate intervened when John met the love of his life, Frewine, in the West End Bar as he was picking up his brother. Their connection was immediate and grew steadily, leading to their marriage on September 4 1992 in Kirkcaldy. The couple's joy multiplied in 1994 with the birth of their twin boys, John and Robert. John embraced fatherhood with open arms, pouring his heart into raising his sons. He adored his family and took great pride in being a hands-on dad. He loved taking his boys to football matches and spending quality time with them. His devotion to his family often saw him acting as the reliable taxi driver. He always ensured everyone got home safely after a night out or a family gathering, even if it meant a late drive for him. He also extended his warmth and thoughtfulness to his wider family. When his nieces and nephews came round, John made sure there were always plenty of sweets and pizza waiting. He loved seeing everyone together. John's love for his family knew no bounds. He was overjoyed with the arrival of his grandchildren Theo in 2023 and Brodie in 2025. He absolutely thrived in his role as a grandad. Theo, in particular, was his little shadow, a true grandad's boy. John was endlessly proud of both grandsons and celebrated their every achievement, no matter how small, with a beaming smile and boundless enthusiasm. Professionally, John spent many years as a slater with the council. However, his growing discontent with how trade workers were treated led him down a new path. Fuelled by pursuit of justice, he became a trade union shop steward, driven to advocate for fair treatment, respect, and equality in the workplace. John's passion for workers' rights only grew stronger over time. His confidence and dedication propelled him to become the chairperson of Unite Scotland. Watching John in action, whether at a union meeting or standing alongside his colleagues, made it clear that he was a man of deep conviction, devoted, principled, and steadfast. Whether as a husband, father, grandfather, or trade unionist, John brought warmth, strength, and unwavering love to everything he did. Mike Arnott, secretary, Dundee Trades Union Council said: 'John was a great character and resolute campaigner. It has been an honour to serve with him on the STUC General Council. 'John was a stalwart fighter for the union members he represented on Fife Council, for his community and for progressive causes, both nationally and internationally. 'He always brought his natural warmth and humour to even the most fraught situations. 'Seeing him at your side on a march or rally gave you added resolve but also made you smile.' The STUC described John as a 'formidable grassroots activist and a trade unionist to his fingertips', adding: 'He acted as a source of strength and guidance to many in our movement. Our condolences and thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in power, John.' John is survived by his mum Elizabeth, wife Frewine, sons John and Robert and grand children Theo and Brodie. A funeral service is being held at Leslie Cemetery on Wednesday June 11 at 10.30 am, preceded by his 'final march' from his home in Leslie. Red colours are to be worn to honour John and his work with Fife Trades Union Council.
The Courier
2 hours ago
- The Courier
Why a visit to the atmospheric ruins of Restenneth Priory near Forfar is good for the soul
The sun was blazing and there was barely a cloud in the sky as I took a drive out past Forfar to Restenneth Priory. It was most definitely a day for sitting and quietly contemplating: I wasn't planning any mad adventures. Despite having lived in Angus for 13 years, it was my first visit to the priory, which I am rather ashamed to admit. It's super-easy to access, and there's a dedicated car park just a few minutes' walk away. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I was blown away by the sheer gorgeousness and perfection of this tranquil place. Cattle grazed quietly in lush pasture surrounding the priory, and the only sound (apart from a brief bout of barking from dogs in kennels at a house nearby) was that of birds twittering in the trees. I wandered around the remains of the ancient buildings, pausing to imagine the Augustinian canons who once lived here praying, gardening, eating and sleeping. They apparently wore distinctive black robes, and lived like monks – in an enclosed religious community, but sometimes leaving the priory to worship with local people. At the heart of the priory, which was an outpost of Jedburgh Abbey, was the church – the largest and most sacred building. Alas, some of the ruins are fenced off, presumably for repair work, so I was unable to access everything. But look closely and you might spot shallow basins used for washing vessels known as piscina, and carvings including window decorations. The highlight, arguably, is the 14 metre tower, of which the base, dating from the 1100s, is the oldest part of the priory to survive. As well as the ruins of the ancient church, with its tower, chapter house foundations, cloister walls and doorways, and chancel, there are fascinating gravestones. One, in the grounds, has a smiley face carved into it. It's pretty quirky and a cute way to honour a loved one. However, I've yet to find out the history and story behind it and who might be buried under it. Another gravestone, inside the cloisters, is also pretty cool, and has been described as 'crude medieval grave slab'. I sat for a couple of hours on the grass outside the priory, simply drinking in the atmosphere. I highly recommend it; it's good for the soul. Suitably refreshed, I decided to explore the surrounding area, and having noticed a path leading from the car park down into woodland, I headed in that direction. It turns out the priory is on the Forfar Path Network, which means you can include a visit in a wider circuit. After passing drystane dykes lined with bluebells, I found myself on a marshy path flanked by high reeds that runs through the wetlands of Restenneth Moss. Apart from a few slight soggy sections, it was bone dry. This is unusual: the path is often flooded. I followed the path, walking under an old railway bridge, soon reaching the hamlet of Lunanhead. I turned at this point, but, back at the priory, continued on the path in the opposite direction. This took me through a landfill site, which was bizarrely chosen by designer Stella McCartney for a photo shoot in 2017. The following year, in 2018, the site hosted renowned film-director Elena Petitti di Roreto, who brought a full crew to shoot for Vogue Italia. I honestly don't know how the models coped. The stench of rotting rubbish is gag-worthy! I scuttled on, keen to get away, soon ending up beside Forfar Golf Course. There were options to continue – back into Forfar or along another path to the village of Kingsmuir – but I had things to do and places to be so I knocked my walk on the head. Back at the priory, I couldn't resist taking just a few more photos. Interestingly, there are different theories about when it was founded. The earliest masonry, at the base of the tower, dates from the 1100s. But there's said to be a strong possibility that Restenneth was where the Pictish King Nechtan built his first stone church around AD715. Another fascinating fact is that King Alexander I had the sacred annals of Iona transferred to Restenneth in the 1100s to keep them safe from encroaching Scandinavians. In 1162, the priory was established by Augustinian canons, and became a sort of quiet outpost of Jedburgh Abbey in the Borders. At that time the priory sat on the banks of a small loch, which provided canons with a good supply of fish and fresh water. However this was drained in the 18th Century for its marl, which was used as a rich fertiliser. Following the Wars of Independence, Robert the Bruce became a generous patron of the priory. And in 1327 King Robert buried his infant son, Prince John, in the church. The young prince was the only member of Bruce's family not to be buried in Dunfermline Abbey. By 1501 there were only two canons in residence. And after the 1560 Reformation, Restenneth had a number of private owners. One, George Dempster of Dunnichen, turned part of the old choir into a family burial place. The priory was damaged by troops who set up camp here during the 1745 uprising, and spent much of the 1800s as accommodation for cattle. It passed into state care in 1919, and is now looked after by Historic Environment Scotland.
The Courier
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Courier
Dundee estate agent Rosie Fraser on life, death and business
For Dundee estate agent Rosie Fraser, relinquishing being in control of every part of her business has been a steep learning curve. Rosie's name is becoming increasingly familiar across the city, as signs advertising homes for sale pop up. Her firm sells houses across Tayside and has one of the largest number of listings in the area. She has enjoyed a spectacularly speedy rise to prominence in the house selling business since opening in 2022. Before that, she owned a children's clothing store. And while being an entrepreneur might seem to come naturally to her, it hasn't always been so obvious. 'I didn't do that well at school,' the former Baldragon Academy pupil says. 'I found it a struggle, and thought I just wasn't very bright. 'But then I found something I was very passionate about. Which is business.' Rosie now goes back to Baldragon as a mentor for young people who might not be totally engaged with the mainstream education system. It's incredibly important for her, she said, to share her experiences and help those who might be feeling left behind. 'When it comes to something I am passionate about, I become obsessed,' she said. 'And I absolutely love my job. 'Sometimes the way schools can be set up, it can really beat down self esteem. 'I tell the young people I speak with that just because they might not be thriving in one system, it doesn't mean it's the end of the road.' And learning is a constant process, she explains. Not long after setting up her own estate agency, Rosie was faced with her own mortality. A cancer diagnosis meant, for the first time, she had to put a pause on work. It did not come easily. As a young mum aged 30, getting the work-life balance correct suddenly became even more pressing. 'I didn't want to give up any of the control because I believed I was doing everything perfectly,' she says. 'But I think when I got ill, I couldn't go to work. It made me realise I needed to have a work-life balance. It was a hit to the ego, realising I wasn't 'the best' at everything. 'And it turns out learning what your skillset really is, and allowing others who are better at other things do them, will do nothing but strengthen your business. 'It took thinking I might die to come to that realisation.' Rosie said the experience totally changed how she felt about work. It's also led her to recruit for skills that are not her forte. She continued: 'When you are younger and starting out, you think you are going to live (to an old age). 'You're going to work, build a career, retire, enjoy time with the kids. But you're not guaranteed a tomorrow. 'It's important to take stock of all aspects of your life. For me, that was taking a step back. I had to employ people to run parts of my business. 'So it's important to recognise what your skills are within your business and what your weaknesses are as well — then hire the right people for your weaknesses. 'For example, invoicing. That and administration, I hate doing that. And for a while, I used to do some work for free, because I would just forget to invoice people at the end. 'So it's been good to employ someone who is good at that side of the business now. It allows me to give 100% of myself to the areas that I am good at, rather than spreading myself too thin like I was doing before.' Just over two years ago, Rosie set up premises in Broughty Ferry's Brook Street as she sought to take her business to the next level. She said that in a city the size of Dundee, word-of-mouth has played a massive role in shaping her business. Selling your house can be daunting and is often considered one of the most stressful things someone goes through, Rosie points out. She and her team try to make the process as smooth as possible — regardless of the size of the property. 'Selling your house is one of the biggest things you'll do in your life,' she said. 'I say to my team at least weekly in meetings 'you have to remember that each of these properties we've got on the market, to our client it is their biggest most important asset'. 'I think that you can make a real difference in making the process of selling as stress-free as possible and getting them a great offer is also incredibly important.' She said it still gives her a thrill when she walks into a home which has the right 'feel' to it. 'It's not always the largest, or grandest houses either,' she said. 'We get around 80% of our business from personal recommendations. Our service is very good and Dundee's the perfect size city for it too. Everyone knows everyone. 'I'll go out to a valuation and it's people will tell me 'it was my cousin or it was somebody from my work or my sister who recommended you'. 'When you are providing good work, in a city this size, word of mouth is really the best form of marketing.' Her modern approach to sales focuses heavily on promotion through social media. The selling process includes property staging for the photographs as well as incorporating drone shots and video walk-throughs. Rosie is proud of the millions of pounds of property sales her company has achieved. And that her firm has one of the largest number of property listings in Dundee. The company has also recently expanded into property management, which has helped diversify its offering. 'Rosie Fraser is the largest listing estate agent in Dundee and we have been consistently for the last nine months,' she said. 'We have a property management part of the business, which we are expanding and looking to do something new with it. 'We've got a modern and proactive approach to the way that we do things so now we are passing that over from the sales side of the business, to the property management side. 'I'm excited about growing that side of things again.'
