17 NOV-15 DEC YOU’VE GOT 29 DAYS TO LIVE! It’s Christmas! Well, it’s not, obviously, but given the amount of seasonal shift going on it’s worth explaining why we’re contributing to the increasingly early onset of festivities by putting our Christmas issue out before the end of November. Firstly, it’s just good planning. Why be a last-minute present buyer when you can be an angelically-calm prudent shopper. Our Wish List present guide (packaged with this issue) will help you to achieve that latter state of transcendence. Secondly, it’s difficult to be grumpy writing about indie gift markets, Christmas-themed gameshow- alike pub quizzes and blokes dressing up as Santa to run along Princes Street. Therefore there’ll be no Scrooging yet (not until we’ve seen that M&S X Factoradvert at least three more times).
Editor Cover Story
14
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
A sneak peek inside the newly- refurbished gallery ahead of its re-opening this month.
22
ABANDONED SCOTLAND Some of the country’s most impressive buildings have been left to crumble. We have a scout around them.
30
It’s Funtime If you’ve never experienced the glorious mayhem of It’s Funtime, you’re in for a treat. The anarchic untelevised gameshow is once again taking place at the Bongo club this month, with a special festive theme, so for those of you who have yet to undertake a limbo competition observed by Santa-bots, now’s your chance. See feature, page 26.
Published by The List Ltd HEAD OFFICE: 14 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TE Tel: 0131 550 3050, Fax: 0131 557 8500, list.co.uk, email editor@list.co.uk GLASGOW OFFICE: at the CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3JD Tel: 0141 332 9929, glasgow@list.co.uk
ISSN: 0959 - 1915 ©2011 The List Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without the written permission of the publishers. The List does not accept responsibility for unsolicited material. The List provides this content in good faith but no guarantee or representation is given that the content is accurate, complete or up-to-date. Use of magazine content is at your own risk. Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd, W.Yorkshire. Subscriptions: 30 issues UK £30
ST ANDREW’S DAY In commemoration of St Andy’s big day, we look at the best things to come out of the place he’s the proud patron of.
+ Regulars
2 Letters Questions answered, grievances aired, agonies uncled.
6 First & Last Professor Green gets a bit sweary. 9 Noticeboard We launch the brand spanking new Hot 100 Awards.
list.co.uk
Around Town 42
Christmas activities round-up 43 Previously . . . Scotland’s History Fest 46 Made in the Shade 49
Books
Stephen King Umberto Eco Comics Clubs
Richie Hawtin Hudson Mohawke Edinburgh Rocks Comedy
Omid Djalili Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights
Film The Well Digger’s Daughter Puss in Boots The Deep Blue Sea Arthur Christmas Film books round-up
Kids Children’s Classic Concerts
LGBT Hot Mess
Music
Thurston Moore Bon Iver Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Records Jazz & Folk Classical
Theatre
Kids’ theatre and panto The King and I South Pacific The Crucible Dance Visual Art
Bill Bollinger Group Show – Transmission Thea Djordjadze FBC Cadell Classified
Recruitment Property I Saw You
50 51 51 52
54
55 56 56
64 64 68
69
70 71 72 72 73
81 81
83 83
84
85 87 87 88 104 108
111 112 113 113 113 114
118
119 119 119 119
125 125 126 127
GREAT OFFERS
Win a luxurious night in Glasgow
Win tickets to The List's Hot 100 party
Win St James Shopping goodies
£10 Wagamama's gift card for new subscribers Win a personalised bottle of The Famous Grouse
8
8 8
13 33
R R A C Y N N A D
:
E G A M I
R E V O C