Posts by Ellie Forbes
The Good Books, Margaret McDonald: ‘Jackie Kay is my absolute idol’
Margaret McDonald on her love of The Hunger Games, her favourite books of the year so far, and falling in love with Jackie Kay. The first book I remember reading: Probably not the first books I ever read in my life, but it has to be Mates Dates by Cathy Hopkins. That entire series had me in…
Read MoreBeyoncé launches whisky after collaborating with a leading Scotch expert
Pop sensation Beyoncé has launched her own whisky, after collaborating with a leading Scotch expert. The star worked with Moët Hennessy, a subsidiary of LVMH, to create SirDavis, named after her great-grandfather Davis Hogue. Hogue was a farmer and a moonshiner in the American South during Prohibition. He stashed whisky bottles in the empty knots…
Read MoreLife With the RSNO: ‘I don’t think people realise just how much goes on behind the scenes’
Head of Production at the RSNO, Craig Swindells, on how his army training comes in handy, touring the world and relaxing with a dram before bed to help wind down after a production. I started at the RSNO in 2013 after a lifelong career in the army. Leaving the army, I was trying to…
Read MoreFringe Review: Dear Billy
A poignant, colourful and hilarious performance about Scotland’s national treasure, says Ellie Forbes. ★★★★★ My cousin, a long time Billy Connolly fan, recently bought a striking piece by artwork Scotland’s national treasure. After buying the work he was able to chat to the Big Yin about his process as part of a Q&A put on…
Read MoreIn a Nutshell, Chef Michael Leathley: ‘Worcestershire sauce improves everything’
Tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe, The Pierhouse is one of Argyll’s most idyllic and romantic destinations, offering breathtaking views to the islands of Lismore and Mull. Head chef Michael Leathley talks to us about learning to play the piano, how cookbooks ignited his passion for food and the ones he still picks…
Read MoreProducer’s Corner: Finlay Macdonald from Chocolates of Glenshiel
Since he was old enough to stand, Finlay Macdonald has been in the kitchen baking with his granny. Climbing up on a stool to help her prepare scones for his family, food has always been a source of happy memories. ‘Both of my grannies were brilliant cooks and they’d take me into the kitchen and…
Read MoreScotland Through A Lens: Ian Bowie, Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year
Scotland’s natural heritage provides the perfect inspiration for The Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year winner Ian Bowie, finds Ellie Forbes. Ian Bowie longs for the great outdoors. Living in Edinburgh, as a photographer he often feels the pull of nature. And it’s this need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and…
Read MoreMurray McDavid Whisky Unveils ULTRA collection
Renowned Scotch whisky brand Murray McDavid has introduced its most prestigious collection yet – ULTRA. The collection is a showcase of rare whiskies, each matured for decades in oak casks within atmospheric Victorian warehouses in the Highlands. The Caperdonich (1972), a 50-year-old, Glen Scotia (1991), a hearty 33-year-old spirit and the Macallan (1993), a luxurious…
Read MoreReview: Kinara, Glasgow
Ellie Forbes tries out one of Glasgow’s newest Indian restaurants, Kinara. I haven’t been lucky enough to visit India. Friends who have made the trip have regaled me with stories of the incredible food, but plans to visit have just sadly never come to fruition. Recently, however, I was treated to a gastronomic voyage…
Read MoreReview: Skua pop-up
The team behind one of Stockbridge’s hottest bars, Skua, is host a street food pop-up, Coop on Potterrow in Fettle Cafe. Richard Bath popped in to try it out. Whether you’re a ten-minute walk away at The Pleasance or the a couple of hundred yards away at the main Fringe hub at the university on Bristo…
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