Priscilla liberally talks all things sex
ANDREA LAMBROU
Sex tips from pensioners to 20-somethings is the theme for new BBC Scotland show Talking Sex with Gran – and an East Kilbride pensioner is the star of the show.
While some viewers might wince as the grans discuss weird locations for sex – a Portaloo and rocks beneath a lighthouse are both mentioned – the young people they speak to don’t bat an eyelid.
Priscilla Martin, 89, makes a friend for life in 21-year-old Chloe Mayhew.
The grandmother-of-seven has only had one sexual partner – her late husband Robert, who died suddenly, aged 61, 20 years ago – but doesn’t flinch when Chloe tells her that she has had several female lovers.
Priscilla, who was married for 35 years, is open-minded and even jokes about setting up a business with Chloe selling vibrators on Shetland, after discovering islanders buy more sex toys per head of population than anywhere else in Scotland.
Mum-of-four Priscilla said: “I don’t think I’ve ever talked so openly about sex before but I think it is important that younger people can talk to older ones about this kind of thing.
“Youngsters should be able to talk to their parents, get the truth and not be fobbed off with, ‘I’ll tell you later.’
“I was about 11 when I heard about sex for the first time and my mother drafted in a family friend to do it. I called her my auntie, though she wasn’t actually my auntie, she was a former teacher.
“I have to admit I did something similar. I told my oldest daughter then got her to tell the younger children when the time came. I would probably do it differently now.”
She added: “I think it is generally better that people are more open about their sexploits but there are things which are personal and private and that should be respected.”
The retired shop assistant is pleased LGBT issues are not as taboo as they were when she was growing up and is delighted Chloe has found love with her girlfriend Elle.
She said: “When I was a young girl, nobody ever really spoke about being gay. It is much better that people can talk about this now. Chloe and Elle are lovely together. It’s great that people can just be themselves and don’t have to hide who they are.
“Gay marriage is fine – if you love someone, that’s an end of it. It doesn’t matter if you’re a woman and love a woman or you’re a man and love another man. It’s about love.
“It’s important that children are taught about sex and LGBT issues. I think around 11 is a good age to start.”
Priscilla, who admits she once ran out of an Ann Summers shop when she spotted someone from the church outside, loved being part of the groundbreaking programme, which airs on Thursday at 11pm.
She said: “It was fun learning new things about sex, especially modern words and expressions. I loved it. It was great fun and I might not run out of Ann Summers the next time.
“I made a good friend in Chloe. I tell people I have another granddaughter now and we are hoping to meet up to watch the show go out together.”
Chloe, who works in theatre, says meeting Priscilla gave her the confidence to come out to her extended family at her 21st birthday party.
The actor and dancer, from Kirkintilloch, near Glasgow, said: “Priscilla is a wonderful, wonderful woman, I’ve never met anyone like her.
“When I told her I was gay, she wanted to know why I was I telling her because it doesn’t matter. She questioned how anyone could dislike someone because of who they love.
“Although I had come out to my immediate family before the show, my extended family had no idea I was gay. Priscilla’s reaction inspired me to tell everyone at my 21st.
“I hated myself when I realised I was gay. I wanted it to go away but now I’m living totally as myself and feel empowered. It’s all thanks to the show and meeting Priscilla.”
Chloe, who is also a freelance photographer, added: “I’m not embarrassed speaking about sex. I don’t think anybody should be, especially women, but I was nervous talking about gay sex.
“I was taken aback by Priscilla’s kindness and her understanding of me as a gay woman.
“I never judge people but you worry when speaking to older people about gay sex in case they think it is wrong.”
Chloe, who spends hours talking to Priscilla on the phone, would love to do a TV show with her new friend.
She said: “We would make a great agony aunt duo.”
As the Guinness
Six Nations grips sports fans, rugby clubs up and down the country are marking another crucial date on the calendar – Royal Bank RugbyForce has opened its annual grant application.
Royal Bank of Scotland helps clubs at grassroots level, showcasing facilities, offering practical expertise and event support and getting their hands dirty to make clubs a better place in communities.
Each year clubs can benefit from funding, new kit, guest appearances and expertise.
Cambuslang Rugby Club in Glasgow, and Boroughmuir Rugby
Club in Edinburgh were named the Hero Clubs in 2019, each winning £1000 plus support to hold a special Royal Bank RugbyForce Day to show their community how involvement at their club can give them a life better spent – on and off the field.
Colin Swanson, from Cambuslang Rugby
Club said the entire club was thrilled when rugby internationalists Jim Hamilton and Rory Lawson came on the day, alongside two Scottish 7s players, who coached and encouraged the young players.
The cash boost also funded an outreach programme, taking taster sessions to 350 local primary school children as well as improving their
Photo: Stewart Attwood