14/06/.10
Heriot-Watt's Graduate Fashion Designers Find Their Voice
Heriot-Watt's School of Textiles and Design are reflecting on a new concept at their end of year 2010 fashion show.  They're celebrating the creativity, innovation and technical skills behind fashion, right through to industrial stardom by not just showcasing simply the end result but the journey towards it and the future. With a four day exhibition at Edinburgh's Dovecot and a grand catwalk finale, the University have appointed renowned fashion designer Mark Eley of the duo Eley Kishimoto as their Creative Director, a designer respected throughout the fashion world for his signature prints and quirky collections.
The exhibition is set to be a huge success for Heriot Watt, celebrating traditional craft and demonstrating the skills behind textiles and clothing and why today’s young designers are such a sound investment..
30/11/.09
MMM helps Yorkhill Children's foundation Frock and Roll to fundraising success
It was glitz, glamour and ball gowns galore at Yorkhill Children’s Foundation’s ‘Frock and Roll’ event, when it took place on 24 October 2009 at the Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel.
The brainchild of corporate and events fundraiser, Abigail Stein, the swishing party was heralded a great success and saw over £1000 raised and more than 60 people attend on the day.
McGarvie Morrison Media was delighted to have played a part in the event’s success, after the company volunteered their PR support and time to the Foundation.
Lally Cowell, account director, worked with the in house team in the weeks running up to the event, creating and delivering a bespoke PR plan, which ensured great exposure of the event, raised awareness and encouraged people to get involved.
Cowell said, “This was a hugely fun event and I was more than happy to give my time to the Foundation and provide PR support to help them raise awareness – and ultimately, funds.
“Fashion plays a big role in most people’s lives and with the party season coming up, this was the ultimate incentive to invite people to clear out their cupboards and make way for some new ‘credit crunch couture’. I’m thrilled it was such a success.”
Abigail Stein of the Foundation added, “MMM’s support was invaluable and it made a real difference to have their guidance and input on this event. They delivered a plan that exactly matched my requirements and generated results which exceeded my expectations. A big thank you to Lally and the team.”
20/10/.09
Adult apprentice given second chance in life thanks to City Building (Glasgow) LLP
 Alex Neil, Minister for Housing and Communities, yesterday (Monday 5 October) heard how City Building (Glasgow) gave young Scot, Ryan Houston a second chance in life.
During a visit to City Building's Queenslie Training Centre in Glasgow, the young Calton boy explained to the Minister how he thought he had been left on the employment scrap heap after being made redundant from a double glazing company last year.
The Minister heard how Ryan, 25, was offered a series of dead end jobs through the job centre, which offered him no career prospects for the future.
Ryan said: "Ever since I left school at the age of 17, I really wanted a career in construction and my job with the double glazing firm gave me a start.
"When I lost that job last September, I was really down and felt as though I was getting nowhere.
"City Building stepped in and gave me a second chance by offering me an adult apprenticeship as a joiner and I haven't looked back."
Ryan is now in his first year of a two-year, fast track apprenticeship training course with City Building, where he will spend around 20 weeks per year at Queenslie Training Centre.
"I'm really enjoying learning my trade with City Building", Ryan said. "In a funny way, being made redundant has worked out for the best because of the job prospects I now have.
"I always really fancied a trade and to get the chance to start one at this age is a dream come true."
Speaking at his visit to the training centre, Minister Alex Neil said: "Apprenticeships provide young people with vital life skills and I am delighted by the great work and training being provided by organisations like City Building."
Willie Docherty, managing director at City Building (Glasgow) said: "This is a superb opportunity for the Minister to see at first hand, the life long skills our apprentices have the chance to learn here.
"We currently have over 500 apprentices in the Glasgow area and our facilities, resources and staff that support the delivery of the training to them are unrivalled. Our success rate in passing out fully qualified, employable and site experienced graduates is unsurpassed and I am extremely proud of what they - and we - have achieved."
City Building's business model goes far beyond simply the delivery of training courses. Apprentices are encouraged to learn about social responsibility, healthy living, the opportunities available to them to gain further qualifications and a mentoring and management system that ensures they are fully supported throughout their training - on a personal as well as professional level.
19/10/.09
Muse Developments strengthens focus on Scotland with the establishment of dedicated team
Muse Developments, one of the UK's leading names in urban regeneration and mixed-use development, is making a major strategic push in Scotland as it develops three major new projects north of the border.
The move, which includes the establishment of a dedicated Scottish team and strengthening of the management structure, will see the company firmly underpin its strength, reputation and success in delivering multi-million pound projects that focus on quality and sustainability, as well as reinforcing Muse Developments' business reputation as an organisation continuing to buck the current market trend.
Under the leadership of Steve Turner, regional director, Scotland, the team will be responsible for managing a range of community and commercial based projects, currently valued in excess of £354 million, that bring a fresh and innovative approach to property development.
Steve Turner added: "This is a very exciting time for the Muse team. With the establishment of a permanent presence in Scotland, we will bring a wealth of experience and expertise - coupled with an enviable record of success - to the marketplace, which I am confident will put Muse firmly on the map as a major player in the Scottish commercial property sector.
"Our traditional business model involves working in partnership with landowners, often from the public sector. We are actively engaged from the start of the development process and seek to add value through the bringing together of different regeneration stakeholders in partnership, who each have the same common end goal.
"It may be a challenging climate but there are regeneration and mixed-use development opportunities throughout Scotland and with our leadership and vision, we will be looking to seek out landmark sites in areas where profitable development has not been immediately obvious."
Muse has brought in Bruce Lindsay, to take up the role of senior development surveyor, reinforcing the company's commitment to make a strong - and permanent - impact within Scotland's commercial property sector.
"Bruce is a highly experienced professional with a proven career track record including roles at Miller Developments Ltd and Safeway plc", added Mr Turner. "He brings a wealth of technical and managerial expertise to the business, coupled with a firm knowledge and understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead."
From their Glasgow city centre premises at St. Vincent Place, the dedicated team will build on Muse's UK-wide portfolio, which currently comprises over 30 projects - covering an estimated area in excess of 20 million sq ft and with an end value worth over £4 billion.
Recognised as a market leader south of the border, Muse Developments has previous experience of the Scottish market having been involved in the delivery of the 650-acre Eurocentral development off the A8/M8 since 1992.
Current projects for the company include a £55 million mixed-use development and ASDA supermarket at Larkhall, a £32 million town centre regeneration project in Bishopbriggs and a £35 million mixed-use development in Bearsden, which will bring a number of benefits to residents living in the area.
07/10/.09
Heriot-Watt students bring home top design awards
 Textile and Design student Maxine MacIver has won a prestigious design competition marking Homecoming 2009. Maxine won Bringing Home the Tartan with a close-fitting catsuit from her Melvina collection. Fellow Heriot-Watt student Katherine Butler was the runner-up with a male outfit entitled Urban River.
The competition promoted by the National Archives of Scotland challenged students of fashion and design in Scotland to create a design on the theme of Homecoming 2009, inspired by tartans in the new Scottish Register of Tartans.
The winner and runner-up were presented with cash prizes of £750 and £250 respectively, and a two week work placement, organised through the Scottish Textiles Academic Group project and Skillfast-UK.
Just under 100 entries were received and they were initially assessed by a panel of judges drawn from the academic institutions and the tartan industry, who were looking for an original and imaginative design on the theme of Homecoming to promote Scotland in a positive, creative and upmarket way.
Ten short listed entries were modelled on the catwalk at the Harvey Nichols Autumn/Winter Fashion Show in Edinburgh on Tuesday 6 October.
Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy, and Tourism, said: “Tartan is economically important to Scotland, as well as being part of our heritage. These designs showcase the extraordinary talent we have today in our colleges. The designs the students have created show how tartan can project a modern, vibrant image of our country.”
George MacKenzie, Keeper of the Scottish Register of Tartans said: “Tartan is one of the strongest brand images in the world, and it’s quintessentially Scottish. Our competition shows how versatile tartan can be right at the cutting edge of today’s fashion. It also underlines the role the new tartan register can play in promoting home grown products and talents.”
06.07.09
MMM bucks trend with senior appointment
One of Scotland’s fastest growing communications consultancy businesses is bucking current market trends with a senior level appointment and the gain of a significant new account from City Building (Glasgow).
McGarvie Morrison Media (MMM) has attracted former Weber Shandwick office head, Charlie Mann, as the company’s first PR Director and he will work alongside founding directors Lindsay McGarvie and John Morrison to grow a business which includes Keppie Design, Heriot Watt University and artist Andy Scott on it’s client list.
Mann will join an eight-strong team in the company’s Glasgow team and is acknowledged as one of Scotland’s leading public relations professionals having held senior roles with some of the country’s leading organisations including the Wood Group, Tennents and United Distillers. He also worked alongside Lithuanian businessman, Vladimir Romanov, as he gained ownership of Heart of Midlothian Football Club.
“We are at an important stage in the growth of MMM and attracting someone who has extensive brand, crises management and corporate PR experience as well as a sponsorship exploitation background adds to our ability to deliver results for clients,” said Lindsay McGarvie.
“Charlie’s appointment and the fact we will be working with City Building (Glasgow) as they further develop their business is great for us and despite some of the doom and gloom surrounding the sector at the moment, we are enjoying a decent run of results.”
Mann’s career has seen him work alongside leading business figures including Sir Moir Lockhead and Sir Ian Wood as well as Romanov and he has led PR teams promoting the Tennents Scottish Cup, Bell’s League Championship and the launch of the National Cricket League with the England and Wales Cricket Board.
“MMM’s reputation within the industry is excellent and they have been attracting the attention of some of the larger agencies in terms of being serious ‘players’ in terms of competition for some time now,” said Mann.
“I’m looking forward to working with Lindsay, John and the team to build the business in terms of both clients and staffing levels.”
McGarvie Morrison Media was established in Glasgow in November, 2005. Lindsay McGarvie is a former Political editor of the Sunday Mail and John Morrison was the BBC’s Scotland Correspondent from 2001 to 2006.
25.06.09
Heriot-Watt student designs official Holyrood Tartan
A textiles student from Heriot-Watt University in Galashiels, has won the competition to design the first official Scottish Parliament tartan to mark 10 years of devolution.
The tartan, inspired by the ‘year of homecoming’, was woven by Perth-based Kiltmakers and Weavers, Macnaughton Holdings.
Winning student Teri Scott will receive a length of the finished tartan and an invitation to the Parliament’s 10th birthday event on 1 July 2009.
Both winner and runners-up have received a paid industry work placement.
Teri Scott, winner, Heriot-Watt University, said: “I feel very excited and incredibly proud to have designed the tartan which has been chosen to represent the Scottish Parliament on it’s 10th anniversary. My inspiration was taken from the year of the ‘homecoming’, a collection of heather tones and vibrant thistle colours taken from Scotland’s beautiful landscape. I would describe the tartan as being a fusion of modern design with traditional qualities.”
The competition received 62 entries from textile and design students studying at thirteen Further and Higher Education establishments across Scotland. The production of the winning cloth into a clothing garment will be worn by Holyrood Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson at the 10th anniversary event on 1st July 2009.
The winning design will be exclusively used by the Scottish Parliament in the Parliament shop and for marketing and publicity. The new tartan will be registered with the new Scottish Tartans Register as “the official Scottish Parliament tartan”.
15.06.09
City Building appoint MMM
McGarvie Morrison Media are delighted to have been appointed as PR consultants to City Building (Glasgow) LLP.
MMM will help highlight the full range of construction and maintenance services provided by City Building, and the variety of projects, from house building to schools, that the business is engaged in with a wide variety of public and private clients. MMM will also publicise City Building’s industry-leading apprenticeship schemes and the work it does with the Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries.
City Building Managing Director Willie Docherty said: “We’re delighted to have MMM on board to spread the message on City Building’s success stories and initiatives. We are proud of the quality and professionalism being delivered for our customers by our 2000 plus workforce, and just as proud of the investment we make in our communities. We are all looking forward to MMM helping us communicate that great work to the widest possible audience across Scotland.”
MMM Director Lindsay McGarvie said: “City Building is a goldmine for journalists, from the incredible human interest stories in RSBI, to the amazing work that the company is doing to create hundreds of apprenticeships every year. The company has proven that it has the quality and skills to get out there and win in both the public and private sectors and at the same time put a lot back into the Glasgow community and much further afield.”
20.05.09
MMM help publicise call for Charles Rennie Mackintosh sculpture
GLASGOW should build a statue in honour of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the city's world-famous architect and designer.
The call is made today by Andy Scott, one of Scotland's leading sculptors whose works include Rise, which adorns the Glasgow Harbour development, and The Heavy Horse, which overlooks the M8 in the city's East End.
Mr Scott said he was surprised that though Glasgow took pride in Mackintosh's works, from the Glasgow School of Art to the House for an Art Lover, it had not yet raised a statue to him.
"He was an immense figure in his fields and I think Glasgow should consider building a statue," he said.
"Considering the benefits the city has generated from him, there's almost a poetic justice that some kind of a fixed memorial to the man be built.
"The Mackintosh tourism market they're beginning to tap into now is terrific, but to give him some sort of profile would be a lovely idea."
If it went ahead, he said, it could be erected in George Square, or in Buchanan Street, near the Lighthouse, home to the Mackintosh Tower and the Mackintosh Centre.
"A George Square statue would be great given its high profile ... you could really show him off.
Mr Scott, who studied at the School of Art, said: "I spend my whole life walking around and thinking, 'Now, what you need there is a statue of so-and-so. But it struck me that in Glasgow, of all places, there's nothing that commemorates the man.' "The fact that it hasn't been done yet is probably down to the fact that no-one has thought of it.
"About 15 or 20 years ago, a friend of mine did a little ceramic portrait of Mackintosh, but as far as I know, nothing has ever been done in full-scale bronze.
"Over the last couple of months I tried my hand at a hobby project, a wee bust of him, and the more I worked on it, the more I thought It's about time something more ambitious was done on him'."
Mr Scott added: "It's early days yet and it's just an informal idea at this stage. I've not even given it a costing.
"It's just a case of trying to get the ball rolling. When you consider his legacy to the city, you think that something should be done.
"If anybody deserves an honour like this, it's Mackintosh. There's still an enormous degree of interest in him and his works."
Mackintosh was born in Glasgow in 1868 and died in London in 1928.
Mackintosh 100, a Homecoming Scotland programme to showcase the lasting legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, was unveiled last month, and will feature more than 100 events including exhibitions, workshops, talks and tours.
George Square's current statues include Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Queen Victoria, but also some people who have largely been forgotten by history, including chemist Thomas Graham, who coined the term dialysis nearly 150 years ago, and James Oswald, a Glasgow MP in the early 19th century.
Evening Times Link One
Evening Times Link Two
Evening Times Link Three
Glasgow Herald Link One
Glasgow Herald Link Two
08.04.09
Cowell Joins McGarvie Morrison Media.
McGarvie Morrison Media are delighted to announce that Lally Cowell is joining the MMM team from First Scotrail where she has been Public Relations Manager for more than four years.
Before joining First Scotrail, Lally Cowell had worked with the PR agencies Citigate Smarts and Biss Lancaster dealing with a diverse range of consumer clients including ASDA, John Lewis, Stagecoach, National Museums of Scotland, Macphie of Glenbervie and Baxters.
Founding Director John Morrison said: “Lally is a sensational signing for MMM. Her experience of consumer and business PR will add a new dimension to an already superb team. MMM are aware that times are tough for all companies right now and that positioning and reputation management are more important than ever. We firmly believe that only hard work and talent will survive and prosper in challenging times.”
He added: “Lally is the first signing of a new phase in the development of MMM. Having recently moved to new, larger premises we are now in a position to recruit new staff to join the hard working team that continues to expand the business.”
In addition to offering consultancy services to the specialist transport sector Lally Cowell will also work with MMM’s existing client list that includes BP, Heriot Watt University, Keppie Design, Davis Langdon, SPT and UK Ultraspeed.
Lally Cowell said: “This is a great opportunity and I am delighted to be joining the team at McGarvie Morrison Media. Despite the challenges of the current climate, the business is prospering, reflecting the experience and expertise within MMM. I am looking forward to working with some extremely talented people, exciting clients and to supporting the continued growth of the organisation."
For further details contact John Morrison
McGarvie Morrison Media
Sovereign House
158 West Regent Street
Glasgow
G2 4RL
T: 0141 221 9041
F: 0141 226 8432
E: john@mmm.pr
19.03.09
Reality TV role for MMM Director.
When MMM director and former BBC news correspondent John Morrison and his scientist wife Rhoda bought some land and a 225 year old ruin in Northern Portugal, a Glasgow based television production company thought it would be interesting viewing.
On top of all the red tape, the language barrier, the problem of managing a massive building project from a thousand miles away, the family also had to contend with a film crew following their every move.
The results will be screened in the documentary series, Casa nam Moireasdanach, which launches on BBC Alba this week.
Caledonia TV spent nine months with John and Rhoda Morrison, and Mairi their teenage daughter, as they struggled to turn the ruined farmhouse they discovered at the end of a goat track, into a six-bedroom luxury villa – complete with swimming pool and vineyard!
As well as working within a budget – at a time when the Pound plummeted against the Euro – the Morrisons also set themselves a deadline. Before the work on the ruin had even started the family set a date for a party to which local people and friends and family from Scotland were invited!
Will the house be finished? Will they blow the budget? Will Casa nam Moireasdanach turn out to be a dream – or a nightmare?
The series runs on Thursday nights at 2030 on BBC ALBA, from 19th March. Each programme is repeated the following Sunday at 2200. BBC ALBA is available on SKY 168 and Freesat 110.
The house can be booked by going to www.villasandcottages.com
Bookings and further enquiries can be made through Sergio Monteiro from Villas and Cottages at rentals@villasandcottages.com
11.03.09
MMM enters into the World of Fashion.
On the stunning rooftop terrace of 16 Waterloo Place in Edinburgh the Heriot-Watt fashion graduates showcased their spectacular collections.  From the portrayal of gangster grannies in chintz and the exploration of puppetry, from garments to celebrate Scotland’s past in the year of the Homecoming, the best in fashion talent launched into the fashion world.
Unique and challenging in its emphasis on fashion Heriot-Watt School of Textiles has been nurturing forward thinking designers who are on a mission to set the tone for the future and MMM are helping them get there.
The School of Textiles is the second oldest textile and fashion school in the world. It counts amongst its honorary graduates, Jasper Conran, George Davies, Zandra Rhodes, Mary Quant, and Dame Vivienne Westwood.
This years graduates are an exciting and impressive bunch, producing world-class collections, their futures are well worth watching. Could one of them be the next Christopher Kane?
04.02.09
MMM, Oxfam and the world's most expensive pizza.
MMM are working alongside Glasgow restauranteur Domenico Crolla to set a new Guinness World record by creating the world's most expensive pizza for Valentine's Day. 
Domenico is inviting bidders onto E-Bay to show just how much they love their partner by treating them to an indulgent, aphrodisiac pizza to be cooked right in front of their eyes on Saturday 14th February. All proceeds will go to UK charity, Oxfam.
The highest bidder and his or her lover will be treated to this gastronomic delight cooked either in Domenico’s award winning restaurant Bella Napoli or in the comfort of their own home, provided they live somewhere the UK or in Italy. The treat is topped with edible gold leaf, Beluga caviar, crushed pearls, oysters, king prawns, asparagus and mozzarella di Bufala.
This is second time Domenico has put one of his pizza creations online for a charity auction – he created the Pizza Royale 007 which fetched over £2000 for the Fred Hollow’s Foundation. Bidding for the St Valentine pizza will close at 2100 hours on Friday 13th February.
Domenico Crolla said: “I’m hoping to set a new World Record this time around with my St Valentine pizza. Valentine’s Day is always a popular time to indulge your loved one – why not really go to town this year and bid for the world’s most romantic, most decadent pizza ever. Not only will you be buying your lover a slice of seduction, you’ll be showing plenty of heart as all proceeds go straight to Oxfam.”
Domenico Crolla is arguably the most qualified Italian chef in the UK scooping five awards at the Pizza Pasta and Italian Food Industry Awards last year. He won the Pizza Designer of the Year, Pizzeria of the Year and Italian Restaurant of the Year as well as two category awards.
31.01.09
WATT A SUCCESS – MMM secures global coverage for exercise study.
In carefully monitored trials, scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh have found that short, intensive periods of exercise – involving as little as seven minutes per week  – can significantly reduce the chances of contracting type 2 diabetes.
MMM worked with Professor Jamie Timmons and his team on a media plan to publicise this radical new approach, which could have a profound impact on health and save the NHS millions of pounds every year. The story captivated the imagination of the press both here in the UK and around the world.
Prof Timmons appeared on a number of radio and television networks, including GMTV, The Chris Evans Show on Radio 2, Radio 5-Live, Radio Scotland and both Reporting Scotland and Scotland Today. Online features appeared on the BBC site and those of Channel 4 and ITN, and press coverage included the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Express. Overseas interest has involved newspapers and radio stations from Canada to Cambodia.
"McGarvie Morrison Media provided an excellent service to me and my team,” said Prof Timmons. “They were available 24/7 and were on site for some of the major interviews and photo shoots that they set up. For their attention to detail, advice and the remarkable contacts they have in the press and wider media, I have no hesitation in recommending McGarvie Morrison Media."
See some of the coverage the story received by clicking any of the links below:
http://news.bbc.co.uk
http://lifestyle.in.msn.com
http://news.yahoo.com
http://www.abc.net.au
http://www.vancouversun.com
http://www.theherald.co.uk
06.01.09
Newspaper Legend Marge Davidson joins MMM, while Fiona Rennie moves into PR
New Corporate Manager Marge Davidson is a Scottish newspaper legend. Her career includes running the Daily Record sports desk and for the last 14 years keeping the wheels turning smoothly at the Scottish Daily Mail.
Marge brings with her vast knowledge and experience of the media which will be invaluable in keeping MMM ahead of the game.
Director Lindsay McGarvie said: "Marge is a great catch for MMM, from my time working with her at the Scottish Daily Mail I know that her steely professionalism will be a huge asset to us and our clients."
Marge replaces Fiona Rennie, who moves into MMM's PR operation, proving the company's commitment to recognising and promoting talent within the team.
Fiona has proven herself to be a great employee in her previous role as Corporate Manager where she gained valuable insight into all accounts.
As Account Manager she'll be working with a range of MMM's clients and will help strengthen the services MMM provide.
Director John Morrison said: "We're delighted Fiona is moving into PR full-time, this shows MMM's commitment to developing and nurturing talent."
06.01.09
Showcasing the world's largest horse sculptures
MMM were delighted to work with world renowned sculptor Andy Scott who is
currently working on the Kelpies, the world's largest horse sculptures,
which will sit on the Forth and Clyde canal.
The Kelpies story has featured in both the Guardian, BBC and in a major
piece for Channel 4 News.
www.guardian.co.uk
http://link.brightcove.com
20.12.08
Media Myths May Damage Your Love Life!
Sitting down in front of your favourite film or taking a read of weekly glossy magazines may actually damage your love life. That’s according to new research undertaken by psychologists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
The team, led by Dr Bjarne Holmes and Ms Kimberly Johnson of the Family and Personal Relationships Laboratory, studied top grossing romantic comedy films and a wide range of popular magazines aimed at both men and women. They found that people’s beliefs can be influenced by unrealistic portrayals of relationships in the media.
Dr Holmes said the findings could have profound implications. “Marriage counsellors often see couples who believe that men and women want very different things from relationships, sex should always be perfect, and if someone is meant to be with you then they will know what you want without you needing to communicate it. We now have some emerging evidence that suggests popular media play a role in perpetuating these ideas in people’s minds”.
And Dr Holmes believes that the research has uncovered an uncomfortable truth. “The problem is that while most of us know that the idea of a perfect relationship is unrealistic, some of us are still more influenced by media portrayals than we realise”.
Ms Johnson, a PhD student who coordinated one of the studies, found that romantic-comedy films were full of unrealistic expectations of relationships and marriage. “Films do capture the excitement of new relationships, but they also wrongly suggest that trust and committed love exist from the moment people meet, whereas these are qualities that normally take years to develop".
The researchers are now launching a new ground-breaking online study. Anyone can participate in the study which will ask questions about personality, relationships, and media consumption habits.
As a further added incentive, those who take part in the online study will be entered into a cash prize draw for £500. The questionnaire can be accessed by visiting www.attachmentresearch.org
See some of the coverage the story received by clicking any of the links below:
http://news.bbc.co.uk
www.dailymail.co.uk
www.telegraph.co.uk
www.foxnews.com
www.metro.co.uk
www.marieclaire.co.uk
www.menshealth.de
http://g1.globo.com
05.09.08
World's biggest study reveals links between personality and music
A groundbreaking study of more than 36,000 people from all over the world
has found that our musical tastes really do reflect our personality. 
The research, which has been conducted by Professor Adrian North of Heriot
Watt University, Edinburgh, demonstrates the close correlation between mood
and music. “We have known for decades that fans of rock and rap are
rebellious, and that fans of opera are often wealthy and well-educated, but
this is the first time that research has shown that personality is also
linked to a wide range of musical styles.”
Professor North says the findings are not only significant but often
surprising. “Jazz and classical music fans are creative and have good
self-esteem, but the former are much more outgoing whereas the latter are
shy. Country and western fans are hardworking and shy, whereas rap fans are
outgoing. Indie fans lack self-esteem, and aren’t terribly gentle people,
but are at least creative. And contrary to the stereotype, heavy metal fans
are gentle and at ease with themselves”
More than 36,000 people from all over the world were asked to rate 104
musical styles, making it the by far the largest study of musical preference
and personality ever undertaken. Professor North is continuing his study and
is keen for as many people as possible to take part in the short five-minute
online questionnaire by visiting www.peopleintomusic.com
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/classical-to-rap-music-lovers-have-much-more-in-common-than-you-would-think-919553.html
http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINBOM4427520080905
http://itn.co.uk/news/8f4aa7157ac0ff1068bb3ebf041f950b.html
08.04.08
MMM has the vision!
Our recent work with Optometry Scotland shows what we can achieve for clients with huge profile achieved in newspapers, on radio and television and online.
Frank Munro, the chairman of Optometry Scotland helped an eighty seven year old man see again after he became completely blind. John Gray lost the sight in his right eye during the Clydeside Blitz in 1941. A year ago he lost vision in his left eye. Frank and surgeon Iain Bryce used cutting edge technology to restore sight to the eye damaged in the war – sixty-seven years after the event! It is a fantastic story that underlines the importance of regular eye check-ups with qualified optometrists.
MMM worked to get the story on to the BBC One O’clock News, Reporting Scotland, Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland and Radio 4’s PM programme. The story was rated the most popular on the BBC Scotland website, achieving more than 200,000 hits in just one day and was also placed on the BBC’s UK website. Each provided a related link to the Optometry Scotland site.
John Gray and the work of Optometry Scotland also featured prominently in the Daily Record, Scotsman, Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph.
Frank Munro said he was “absolutely delighted with the coverage. It was always a great story but MMM worked wonders to achieve such massive coverage and great profile for the profession. We are absolutely delighted to have MMM represent Optometry Scotland."
See the story:
Daily Record website
BBC website
05.03.08
Global Contract Awarded to MMM
McGarvie Morrison Media has been awarded the contract to provide press and PR support to Civicus in the run up to this year’s World Assembly which is being held for the third year running in Glasgow.
Civicus is an international alliance that promotes active citizen participation and the Assembly is the main venue for civil society, donors, Government, business and media to engage and debate.
More than 1000 delegates from over 100 countries will be attending this year’s event at the SECC from 18-21 June under the overall theme of “Acting together for a Just World”. Several big name speakers from politics, entertainment and the arts are expected to confirm their attendance in the coming weeks.
MMM will be working closely with the Civicus team, which is based in South Africa, and with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. Lucy McTernan, director of corporate affairs for the SCVO was delighted to secure MMM’s services. "The Civicus World Assembly is the premier forum for global civil society. SCVO is delighted to be hosting it for the third time in Glasgow, and we welcome McGarvie Morrison's help in getting civil society's voice heard."
MMM Media Director Peter Aitchison said, “This is a fantastic opportunity to publicise some of the major issues of our time. The entire MMM team looks forward to working with Civicus and the SCVO in helping ensure the success of this year’s World Assembly in Glasgow.”
Civicus is the latest in a series of New Year successes for McGarvie Morrison Media and adds to an impressive and growing list of clients.
MMM was set up in January 2006 by Lindsay McGarvie, a former Political Editor of the Sunday Mail, and John Morrison, previously a BBC Network News Correspondent. The team also includes former BBC editor Peter Aitchison, Ken Symon who joined from the Sunday Herald; Sarah Anne Munro, previously a Press Officer with Glasgow Caledonian University; Karen Morrison who was recruited from the Financial PR company, Buchanan Communications and Fiona Rennie who was with the Daily Record.
For further details please contact Peter Aitchison on 0141 229 6705.
26.02.08
Scotland’s Biggest Cost and Project Management Consultancy hires MMM
McGarvie Morrison Media has won a contract to provide public relations, public affairs and business development support for international property and construction consultancy Davis Langdon Mackenzie.
MMM has already begun working on the contract, which will support the international expansion plans of Davis Langdon Mackenzie’s Scottish operations. Following the recent merger between Davis Landon and the Mackenzie Partnership the company now has 150 staff spread across 3 offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
The company, which is owned by its partners, manages some of the largest construction projects in Scotland for public and private sector clients. Current projects include the refurbishment of the High Court in Edinburgh for the Scottish Court Service, several schools in the Borders, the Aberdeen University Library and the Stirling sports village.
The strategic aim of the Scottish management is to increase the number of contracts that are managed abroad. Projects are already being targeted in Poland, Canada, India and South Korea and plans are underway to establish a base in North Africa.
John Morrison, co-founder and director of MMM said: “We are delighted to be working with a client of the quality and international reach of Davis Langdon. The contract expands our work in the corporate and construction fields.”
Sam Mackenzie, Managing Partner of Davis Langdon in Scotland said: “In the short time we have worked with MMM we have been impressed with the personal attention given to us and they have added a new dimension to our corporate presence.”
Davis Langdon join MMM’s growing list of high quality clients including Orange, Diageo, BAE Systems, RBS, Keppie Design, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Royal Mail, the Scottish Golf Union, Grant Management, Global Trees, East Ayrshire Council and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.
McGarvie Morrison Media Ltd was set up in January 2006 by Lindsay McGarvie, a former Political Editor of the Sunday Mail, and John Morrison, previously a BBC Network News Correspondent, The team also includes Ken Symon, former Business Editor of the Sunday Herald, Peter Aitchison, a former BBC editor, Sarah Anne Munro, previously a Press Officer with Glasgow Caledonian University, Karen Morrison who joined MMM in January from the Financial PR company, Buchanan Communications and Fiona Rennie who joined from the Daily Record.
16.01.08
Nomination for MMM director at International Television Festival.
An investigative historical documentary filmed in Uist, Skye and France has been chosen to represent Scotland in the Factual Documentary category at the 2008 Celtic Media Festival in Galway.
Presented by John Morrison, Dòmhnallaich na Frainge (The MacDonalds of France) sheds new light on the 1745 rebellion and reveals the extraordinary story of a Hebridean father and son who played key roles in both Highland and French History.
“It sounds like fiction,” says Morrison, “but it’s all true. A man saves the life of Bonnie Prince Charlie, one of the most famous figures in Scottish history, but dies in exile and poverty, while his son rises to fame and fortune and returns to Scotland in triumph. It’s a story that spans 100 years of Scottish and European history. It involves the last battle fought on British soil and the Emperor Napoleon – and it all started in a thatched house in Howbeg in South Uist. You couldn’t make it up!”
Morrison and the film crew from Caledonia TV travelled between the Hebrides and France in the footsteps of the Jacobite father and son to film the evidence. A key interview was French “Eurocrat” Jean-Didier Hache, who has a house on Grimsay in the Western Isles. It was a chance meeting on a beach with Jean-Didier, a passionate amateur Jacobite historian, that first fired Morrison’s interest in “Dòmhnallaich na Frainge“.
The film tells how Neil MacEachen, born in Howbeg, left Scotland to train as a priest at the Scots College in Paris. But the hot blooded Neil spurned the cloth and enlisted as a Jacobite agent and French army officer. He was with Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald when they fled ‘Over the Sea to Skye’ and was instrumental in ensuring the Prince’s escape from Scotland.
MacEachen’s loyalty to the Jacobite cause was little rewarded. In exile, he served as an officer in a Scots regiment of the French Army under the name of MacDonald. When the Napoleonic War ended the Scottish regiments were disbanded, and Neil died a pauper in Sancerre, but left behind a remarkable son.
The young Alexandre MacDonald joined the French and, seizing the opportunities of the French Revoution, quickly rose to become a General. He was a key supporter of Napoleon’s Coup d’Etat and became a Marshall and Duke of Tarentum. While others deserted Napoleon, MacDonald remained loyal to the Emperor and negotiated his exile to Elba with the British. It was MacDonald who, in the name of the French Army, accepted Napoleon’s abdication at Fontainebleau in 1814.
What fascinates Morrison is that MacDonald’s career didn’t end with Napoleon’s.
“While Napoleon’s memory faded away, MacDonald prospered and became a rich and famous member of French high society,” he says. “But the son never forgot the stories about Uist his father had told him as a boy and in 1825 the Marshall went on a remarkable pilgrimage back to Howbeg. We filmed at Howbeg and saw where the Marshall had gathered a handful of earth which he arranged to have put in his coffin at his state funeral in Paris’s Pere Lachaise cemetery in 1840.”
The Celtic Media Festival is an annual three-day celebration of broadcasting, film talent and excellence from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and Britanny. This year it is being held in Galway, Ireland from the 16th to 18th April.
John Morrison says the entire production is delighted with the documentary’s nomination. “The Celtic Media Festival is open to English language productions as well as Gaelic and Welsh, Breton and Cornish. Dòmhnallaich na Frainge is living proof that Gaelic language production can match anything that can be made in English or any other language.”
The programme was produced by Faye MacLean who come from Paible, North Uist and directed by Les Wilson. It was made for BBC Alba and funded by the Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gaidhlig.
For further details contact: John Morrison on 0141 229 6705 / 07740 096 046 or Les Wilson, Caledonia TV at lwilson@caledonia.tv
10.01.08
McGarvie Morrison Media are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Account Director to join our expanding team.
Karen Morrison, who was at Financial PR company Buchanan Communications, joins as an Account Director to work mainly with the agency’s expanding roster of business and financial clients.
She will work with Ken Symon, Business Development Director, on expanding MMM’s offering to dynamic growth businesses intending to float on the stock market.
Karen’s recent experience includes working on main market and Alternative Investment Market flotations and financial calendar work.
John Morrison, founding director of MMM said: “Karen Morrison is another great catch for McGarvie Morrison Media as we continue our programme of expansion. We are delighted that she will bring her experience in financial public relations to strengthen our offering particularly to our corporate and trade association clients.
“Karen’s appointment marks the start of what we are sure will be another exceptional year for McGarvie Morrison Media.”
Karen Morrison (no relation), said: “It’s great to join a company that is really going places. I am looking forward to working with McGarvie Morrison Media’s range of clients.”
These clients include Diageo, BAE Systems, Keppie Design, RBS, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Royal Mail, the Scottish Golf Union, Grant Management, Glasgow Caledonian University, East Ayrshire Council and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.
Lindsay McGarvie, a former Political Editor of the Sunday Mail, and John Morrison, previously a BBC Network Correspondent, founded McGarvie Morrison Media in January 2006. The team also comprises Ken Symon, former Business Editor of the Sunday Herald, Peter Aitchison, a former BBC editor, Andy Rowe, a former aide to Tony Blair and Sarah Anne Munro, previously a Press Officer with Glasgow Caledonian University.
12.12.07
Scottish football legend Kenny Dalglish has been installed as the Honorary President of the Askernish Golf Club in South Uist at a fund raising dinner attended by 300 people at Celtic Park on Thursday 6th December.
“King Kenny”, as he was known to millions of football fans around the world, told the audience, “I am delighted to accept the role of Honorary President of Askernish Golf Club. My wife Marina and I will be at Askernish for the opening day. I intend to take this role seriously. This will not be tokenism.”
He added, “I have followed the amazing story behind the reinstatement of Askernish and I’m very happy to assist the communities involved. Askernish Golf Club can very quickly become a jewel in world golf and I'll do everything I can to ensure it realises its potential.”
The 18 hole links course at Askernish was laid out by the legendary golfer and designer, Old Tom Morris, in 1891. In recent years only 9 holes of the course were used but following the buyout by islanders of the 92,000 acre estate Askernish is now being restored to its former glory.
Speaking at Celtic Park, the chairman of Storas Uibhist, Angus MacMillan, said, “This proves the pulling power of Askernish. The course isn’t open yet, but already we have a world-class sportsman endorsing what will undoubtedly be a world-class golf course. We are delighted to have Kenny Dalglish, a Scottish sporting legend, in our team.”
He added, “Kenny’s international fame will ensure Askernish will soon be known around the world. It will provide a huge boost for the golf course, Storas Uibhist and the island communities.”
The first approach to the Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland star was made by the former MSP for the Western Isles, Alasdair Morrison, who told the audience at Celtic Park, “Kenny as President and Marina as First Lady will be wonderful ambassadors for Askernish. The combination of the Dalglish name and the sheer natural beauty of this amazing course will be a magnet for golfers throughout the world.”
The selection of Kenny Dalglish has been widely welcomed. Ralph Thomson, chairman of Askernish Golf Club, said, “Kenny was the unanimous choice of the Golf Club Committee and the members are delighted he has accepted the post of Honorary President. He is renowned for his integrity and sportsmanship and his presence at Askernish will be an enormous help in publicising a unique golfing experience.”
Renovation work, which is being overseen by the world-renowned golf course consultant Gordon Irvine and architects Mackenzie and Ebert, should be completed in the spring of 2008.
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