Posts by Ellie Forbes
IKEA Edinburgh offers up unusual Christmas experience
IKEA in Edinburgh is offering customers the chance to enjoy a free Christmas dinner in one of its roomsets. Guests who book the experience will enjoy a fully prepared IKEA Christmas dinner, complete with festive décor. Hosting Christmas can be costly, not to mention the time and effort spent doing everything from cooking to cleaning.…
Read MoreListen: Hebridean Baker hoping for number one with Gaelic rendition of Auld Lang Syne
The Hebridean Baker Coinneach MacLeod is hoping for a number one hit after releasing a Gaelic rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Previous winners of the Royal National Mòd, Coinneach and his partner Peter MacQueen have joined forces as the Hogmanay Boys to sing Air Sgàth nan Iomadh Linn. Swapping his kitchen for the recording studio,…
Read MoreBook review: Private Matters
Scottish journalist Mairi Fraser spent nearly 15 years on the front line of Fleet Street’s urban jungle. But her new book Private Matters is her first attempt at writing without a news editor bearing down. The novel follows the complexities of a British boarding school, revealing an intricate web of relationships, challenging the usual traditions.…
Read MoreLove letter to Sir Billy Connolly to be staged at Edinburgh Festival Fringe
He made his breakthrough at the Fringe more than 50 years ago, but now Sir Billy Connolly is being celebrated with a stage show paying tribute to his legendary comedy career. Just days after he celebrated his 81st birthday, the National Theatre of Scotland (NTS) has revealed plans for a festival run next summer of…
Read MoreFort William cinema named as best in the UK
Highland Cinema in Fort William has been named as the best in the UK. Just three years after opening its doors in September 2020, Highland Cinema was named UK Cinema of the Year 2023 at the Big Screen Awards ceremony in London. Run by a small local team, the cinema show a mix of Hollywood…
Read MoreUnexpectedly exquisite: Fin & Grape is different from the pack
Richard Bath reviews Edinburgh fish restaurant Fin & Grape and is blown away. During the 17 years or so when I was reviewing at least one restaurant a week, I placed an enormous premium on places that were a little different from the pack. When you eat out that often, you realise that so many…
Read MoreMotoring: The Kia EV6 review
Motoring journalists Lorraine and Ally Ballingall have been reviewing cars for over 30 years, here they take us through the Kia EV6. When it comes to Electric Vehicles, we are absolutely spoiled for choice, but when it comes to styling, with its eye-catching, bold, sporty appearance, the Kia EV6 must be one of the best- looking cars…
Read MoreRecipe: A delicious Cullen Skink soup
This delicious Cullen Skink soup from the Old Manor Hotel in Lundin Links is one of the most popular dishes on the menu. Originating in Cullen, a harbour town on the north coast of Aberdeenshire, the soup was made from scrapings of beef. However, in the 1890s, as beef became expensive, and the town specialised in smoked…
Read MoreMary Berry visits Enchanted Forest as part of her new Scottish Christmas cook show
National treasure Mary Berry visited The Enchanted Forest as part of her new Scottish Christmas cookery show. The legendary cook paid a visit to the light show back in October to film for an episode in the festive series, with staff sworn to secrecy about her visit. While at the event, Mary enjoyed a short…
Read MoreBessie Williamson: The woman behind Laphroaig distillery
Beth Squires from whisky brokers and consultants, Mark Littler, takes us through the history of Bessie Williamson, the woman behind Laphroaig distillery. Laphroaig distillery on the south coast of Islay is a rugged and tranquil place with a long and fascinating history. Its modern success is the work of many employees over the years, who have…
Read More