Laura Smith

Features reporter

Portfolio
The Sunday Post
03/22/2023
Eilish McColgan: I get trolled about how I look, but women say I'm a huge inspiration

Eilish McColgan will never forget the moment she won the same Commonwealth gold medal as her mum did 36 years before, though Liz McColgan has said watching her daughter's victory was "100 times better" than her own in 1986. As the child of an athletics legend, McColgan never felt like she was running in her mum's shadow.

The Sunday Post
03/22/2023
Author Kate Mosse on celebrating women written out of history

Kate Mosse is in the Lake District, thinking about two members of her family who she has only just gotten to know: her great-grandmother Lily, and her first grandson. For an author who has sold more than five million books, in 42 languages, all the success and critical acclaim in the world pales in comparison to the cherished times when she holds her seven-week-old grandson.

The Sunday Post
03/22/2023
High on the hills, a rescuer returns to remember on 40th anniversary of Skye plane crash

On a small, craggy peak on Skye, veteran mountain rescuer David Whalley looks upwards to the summit and remembers his longest night and hardest mission, writes Laura Smith. On the 40th anniversary of a US military jet crash that killed both pilots, he returns to the site along with photographer Simon Riddell to raise awareness of mental health and the legacy of trauma.

The Sunday Post

The Sunday Post
10/18/2020
INVESTIGATION: Mental health care for young Scots in crisis

Scotland’s mental health services are over-stretched, under-resourced, and failing some of the country’s most vulnerable children and young people. My investigation for The Sunday Post spoke to parents, young people, doctors and experts who demanded action is taken to overhaul Scotland's struggling service.

The Sunday Post
11/24/2019
Ferocious, fierce and female: So did women lead Viking invasions?

Think of fearsome Viking warriors and the image of ferocious, bearded men comes to mind. But, according to National Geographic explorer and archaeologist, Ella Al-Shamahi, women were not only part of the great Vikings hordes, they may even have led them.

The Sunday Post
01/12/2020
A whole new Vera

Award-winning actress, Brenda Blethyn, on how her super-sleuth became unlikely feminist icon for the cover interview of PS magazine.

The Sunday Post
09/27/2020
Fair's flare as designer reveals why Fair Isle patterns thrill fashion world

Anyone with an interest in knitting, or indeed fashion, will be familiar with Fair Isle. Whether found cascading from home knitters' needles or gracing haute couture catwalks, the iconic and intricate pattern of repeating motifs and multiple colours has become popular worldwide.

The Sunday Post
08/09/2020
'I had no one, I had nothing': Pregnant refugees seeking a safe haven in Scotland

Childbirth should be the most joyful time in a mother's life, but it can also be a fraught experience, especially for women going through it alone. For pregnant asylum seekers and ­refugees who have found temporary safety in Scotland, the thought of giving birth in a strange country with no support is a daunting prospect that can, say experts, inflict further psychological trauma, ­putting both mother and baby at risk.

The Sunday Post
06/21/2020
Young Scots campaign ot change syllabus to combat racism

As Black Lives Matter demonstrations sweep the country, four siblings inspired by the movement are leading calls to reform how race is tackled in Scottish schools, with backing from actors Moya and Morayo Akande.

The Sunday Post
09/28/2020
Done in 10.74 seconds: Meet Scotland's fast-fingered Rubik's speedcubers

With 43 quintillion combinations but only one solution, the colourful, clacking Rubik's Cube has fascinated and frustrated generations of gamers. While it might take most of us months to solve the iconic puzzle, which first hit toy shops 40 years ago, some can master it in a matter of seconds.

INSP (International Network of Street Papers)

INSP
03/07/2016
New street paper to tackle poverty and corruption in Romania

Last November, tens of thousands of Romanians brandishing placards and megaphones marched through the streets of Bucharest. They were united in fierce protest against the widespread corruption that doesn't just eat away at their country's political and media institutions - it kills.

INSP
06/02/2016
Shedia: the raft keeping Greece's poor and homeless afloat

Less than a month after angry protesters returned to the streets of central Athens in response to more austerity measures - including pension cuts and tax hikes - thousands gathered in another corner of the city to celebrate music, love and solidarity.

INSP
07/28/2016
Success of cooperative newspaper proves "truth still sells" in Greece

During the Global Street Paper Summit in Athens, Nicholas Voulelis, editor of Efimerida ton Syntakton (The Journalists' Paper) gave an inspiring introduction to his unique newspaper, which is run as a cooperative of over 100 journalists. By Laura Smith How many journalists does it take to produce one of Greece's most trusted and successful daily newspapers?

INSP
09/12/2015
Colin Farrell makes surprise visit to Homeless World Cup

Hollywood actor Colin Farrell thrilled Homeless World Cup players and supporters today with a surprise visit to the event in Amsterdam. Farrell is a long-time supporter of the tournament and was announced as a Homeless World Cup Ambassador in June. He said he is happy to support a tournament that champions the power of football to change lives.

STV

Stv
Derren Brown on happiness, his guilty pleasures and Infamous

The Infamous Derren Brown is bringing his trademark wit, humour and mind-blowing mentalism to Scotland next month. And let's not forget that red Frisbee he likes to throw into the crowd. A supreme showman, the illusionist can reduce an entire theatre audience to stunned silence.

Stv
Rave Hearts: Mogwai bring the noise to Usher Hall

Still pushing the boundaries of post-rock, it's hard to believe that Mogwai have been melting minds and rattling eardrums with their guitar-driven dirges for nearly 20 years. Since forming in the mid-90s, the quintet have become known for their whisper-to-a-scream style of primarily instrumental post-rock and deafening live shows.

Stv
Stanley Odd on Scottish hip hop, politics and parenthood

"Son I just wrote this, I thought you might like to know, that I chose to vote Yes, 'cause a Yes vote provided hope. What the future's holdin', no-one can rightly know, was tired of the same old script, and what's next only time will show."

Stv
Proving laughter is the best medicine for Hearts and Minds

Children normally lying bored in bed raise their heads and rush to the windows if they can, noses pressed eagerly against the glass to get a glimpse of their new visitors. The excitement can only mean one thing - an exuberant band of Clowndoctors has arrived with the mission to brighten up sick children's lives and raise a smile on the hospital ward.

Stv
Freedom Bakery rising to the challenge to help ex-offenders

It seems everyone is getting into baking these days. Cooking shows like the Great British Bake Off have got thousands of us experimenting in the kitchen but next up to catch the baking bug could be ex-offenders. Matt Fountain, from Dennistoun, plans to help cut reoffending rates by luring ex-inmates away from crime and into the kitchen.

Stv
Singing legend Nana Mouskouri on making a comeback at 80

Despite marking her retirement seven years ago with a global farewell tour, Nana Mouskouri is stepping back into the spotlight. Nana will bring her Happy Birthday Tour to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall on Monday 29 October, in just one of three major concerts she will perform during her UK visit.

Stv
The Twilight Sad set to release 'strongest album yet'

It's a familiar state for any band on the verge of a new release, but The Twilight Sad's highly anticipated fourth studio album could potentially herald the start of bigger things for the Glasgow trio. "I'm terrified but genuinely excited about it," said the singer.

Stv
Meet the most dangerous man on Saturday morning TV

While some people might view being fired as a slight set back, being given the boot from Soccer AM actually inspired Chris Ramsey's latest stand-up show. The Geordie comedian is currently sat in a small car with his tour manager and support act fighting over who gets control of the radio as they bomb north up the motorway from Swindon to Aberdeen.

Stv
Mungo's Hi Fi helping Scots feel the riddim on tour

But it should be. For over a decade, Glasgow has been home to Mungo's Hi Fi, a sound system and production house renowned the world over for their inventive take on reggae and dubstep. Through their label Scotch Bonnet Mungo's have collaborated with Jamaican veterans such as Ranking Joe and Sugar Minott to Mavado, Major Lazer and Scotland's own Soom T.

Stv
From a land of ice and snow: Gray's graduate up for major art award

Catherine Ross was just ten years old when she first encountered the Gray's School of Art Degree Show. As her imagination ran riot while staring up at seemingly never-ending expanses of colourful canvasses and wondrous sculptures, she dreamed that one day someone else might stare wide-eyed at one of her own enormous and intricately painted landscapes.

Stv
Glasgow's Prides are ready to roar with The Seeds You Sow

Glasgow's Prides are ready to roar with The Seeds You Sow. After winning over a legion of new fans on their recent trip to America, Glasgow three-piece Prides are back in Glasgow for a headline gig at the O2 ABC ahead of their next EP release in April.

Stv
King Creosote on From Scotland With Love: 'I'm amazed how epic it sounds'

King Creosote on From Scotland With Love: 'I'm amazed how epic it sounds'. King Creosote aka Kenny Anderson is giving voice to the ghosts of Scotland's past by writing a film score for From Scotland With Love, made from Scottish Screen archive footage for the Commonwealth Games that tells the story of Scotland.

Stv
Massacre in Aberdeenshire: Behind the scenes of bloody local horror film

Last year, weekends spent running through the Aberdeenshire woods covered in blood, and scaring the living daylights out of passing motorists in the process, became run of the mill for aspiring local actress Lisa Cameron. The 32-year-old takes the lead in new slasher film The Redwood Massacre, which was filmed last year by local production company Clear Focus.

The Herald

The Herald
02/26/2013
Voice of a generation

Interview with Hamira Khan, the Scottish Youth Parliament's CEO.

The Herald
01/04/2013
Stand up for freedom

Can comedy stop reoffending? That's the claim of a project at Glasgow's Barlinnie prison.

The Sunday Herald
07/29/2012
A World of Pain

My interview with a Big Issue Scotland vendor featured as part of a special report published in The Sunday Herald, in partnership with INSP, investigating the effect recession has had on street paper vendors across Europe.

NOIR Magazine

NOIR Magazine
NOIR Catwalk reviews

Catwalk reviews filed during two visits to London Fashion Week, as part of the NOIR press team, included Mulberry, John Rocha, Pam Hogg, PPQ and Betty Jackson .

NOIR Magazine
07/04/2011
Janie Bryant: the woman behind the Mad Men wardrobe

The Emmy-winning costume designer talks about the Mad Men wardrobe and dressing Don Draper. The article is followed by a "steal their style" piece discussing the allure of sixties fashion.

NOIR Magazine
NOIR film interviews

On behalf of NOIR Magazine I chatted to one or two film and TV actors including Jane Seymour, Claire Foy and Harry Potter stars Oliver Phelps and Natalie Tena.

NOIR Magazine
NOIR designer interviews

Interviews with Enzoani and fashion duo Hemyca offered some fascinating insights into their design processes.

NOIR Magazine
NOIR music interviews

DJs, 90's dance groups and singer/songwriters all feature in my NOIR music interviews, including Sister Bliss from Faithless.