Page 7 - Quadrangle: 39th Edition

Quadrangle Feb21 v11.qxp_Layout 1 04/03/2021 15:30 Page 7

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The Birthday Poems

Chris Connelly (1983) has created an album
called The Birthday Poems, set for release this
year.
It is based on the relationship between the
Scottish poet George Mackay Brown and his
muse Stella Cartwright - a wonderful, complicated
and strangely tragic relationship that lasted
from the 50s until the 80s, when Stella died.
Using his own compositions, Chris also features
on the album as the voice of George alongside
Glaswegian singer, Monica Queen, as Stella.
sprEHding Joy The narrative prides itself on having one foot
in Edinburgh, and the other in Orkney making
Dave Robertson (2006) and partner Hannah Beddie opened grazing box it a fascinating concept and integral to Scottish
phenomenon, sprEHd in January 2020. culture as it illustrates the power of a woman
The gourmet deli box company was a hit in both lockdowns yet is now well known for up against a boy’s club of Scottish poets.
its incredible charcuterie boxes which showcase the very best of local Scottish
Chris told Quadrangle:
produce.
“I believe Stella was a unique artist, who’s voice
In September 2020, Dave and his team expanded their menu to introduce 'sprEHd was overshadowed and stifled by the group of
Sweet' - an indulgent assortment of sweet treats from Scottish suppliers including older male poets she chose for company in the
Marshmallow Lady, Mrs Tilly’s, Shortbread House of Edinburgh and Mackie’s. Like bars of Rose street. However, the story of making
the charcuterie box, the sweet option comes in various sizes and packaging is fully the album is interesting too: I come from a
compostable. The company’s sustainable approach and amazing culinary delights background that started in a fertile time for
continue to prove a hit in the local area and Dave is delighted that a further two Scottish culture in the rehearsal rooms and tiny
current S6s have joined the growing sprEHd team which already employs two former stages of Edinburgh in the early 80s - a time when
pupils - what a fabulous way to keep Herioters connected. The team expanded in many musicians played together, and I found
time for the new branch in Morningside, which opened in November 2020. This new myself playing often with Malcolm Green (1980),
sprEHd-quarters facilitates not only box production but also Scotland’s first ever the son of the poet Stanley Roger Green (who
‘Scottish only’ delicatessen. plays a big part in The Birthday Poems). My
Sweet and savoury boxes are available for ‘covid-safe’ delivery to any EH postcode, playing took me from Edinburgh and the culture
7 days a week or can be collected in store. The business also delivers Scottish I grew up with, and I found success by changing
hampers worldwide and has big plans for growth and expansion in the coming year. and pushing boundaries, collaborating and
learning. Now, here I am, writing and recording
For information, please visit www.sprehd.co.uk or contact sprehd@outlook.com
the most important work of my life.”
The Birthday Poems will launch in 2021
A review from the Development Office: - George Mackay Brown’s 100th year.
Dave kindly gave Development Coordinator, Anne, two fabulous deli boxes
to trial off the back of this article:
“sprEHd produces 5 star deli boxes like no other – an absolutely delicious
selection of sweet and savoury goods in a beautifully presented package. Calling all FP business moguls
The boxes feature the best of Scottish produce from delicious breads,
This edition of Quadrangle introduces us to some of the
cheeses and meats to shortbread, marshmallows and chocolate - it
brilliant work FP business owners and entrepreneurs are
was the perfect lockdown pick-me-up! The fact that one of our FPs is
doing ‘delivering the goods’ in lockdown.
the mastermind behind the grazing box phenomenon is incredible and
I couldn’t recommend
I couldn’t recommend
I couldn’t r ecommend As we think ahead to the Autumn/Winter publication,
As we think ahead to the Autumn/Winter publication,
Da
Dave and his team at we would like to shine a spotlight on more former pupil
eam at
e and his t
Dave and his team at
v
we would like to shine a spotlight on more former pupil
sprEHd more highly.
e highly.
sprEHd more highly. business tycoons and celebrate the wonderful companies
sprEHd mor
business tycoons and celebrate the wonderful companies
Give sprEHd a whirl
Give sprEHd a whirl and services within the Heriot’s community.
and services within the Heriot’s community.
and support a
If you are a former pupil with your own business, we'd
If you are a former pupil with your own business, we'd
fellow FP who
love to hear from you. Please email
love to hear from you. Please email
is distributing
development@george-heriots.com to share your story
development@george-heriots.com
chearfullie
and help us create a ‘hub’ of FP businesses for all Herioters
and help us create a ‘hub’ of FP businesses for all Herioters
in the most
to enjoy.
to enjoy.
delicious way!”