Tis the season to indulge in chocolate cake

In the cold winter months, there is nothing better to lift the spirits than a sweet, chocolate treat. This cake ticks that box and is also super quick to make. Baking it the day before you plan to serve it means that all the flavours have a chance to develop, making it even more delicious.…

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Musical treat gets the festive season underway

A Glasgow’s luxury city centre hotel and spa, has launched Christmas in sparkling style with an extra magical Moët and Chandon party. Swapping The BBC Proms for a one time performance at the Blythswood Square Hotel, the Glasgow Phoenix Choir sang the house down and welcomed guests with Christmas carols and festive flare. Led by…

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A dish to be enjoyed by veggies and meat eaters

Roast Butternut Squash and Feta Wellington is perfect to serve for both vegetarians and meat eaters alike. The butternut squash makes it a hearty and warming dish, perfect for the dark winter evenings. You can make the Wellington in advance and then heat it up again when you want to serve it – a top…

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F1 legend urges Scots to Never Drink and Drive

Formula One legend Mika Häkkinen has launched the festive campaign to encourage Scots to Never Drink and Drive. The two-times F1 World Drivers’ Champion brought the Johnnie Walker Caparo T1 supercar to Holyrood for the launch of the #JOINTHEPACT Never Drink and Drive campaign and he was welcomed by MSPs of all parties who backed…

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Give smoked salmon a seasonal twist

This recipe for gin cured smoked salmon is the ideal starter for a dinner party. Not only is it a simple recipe that you can prepare in advance, but also looks fantastic! The orange gin and spices add a unique and deliciously festive flavour to the salmon. The recipe is also a lovely dish, which…

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Risque jokes and laughs with Beauty and the Beast

You know the feeling you get the day after you’ve put in a solid workout at the gym? That welcome burn that reminds you of your efforts and eases your conscience as you reach for yet another office mince pie. I felt a similar pain this morning in my face after going to see this…

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You can’t beat Drum for some festive fun

The National Trust for Scotland’s Drum Castle is gearing up for the festivities with its Christmas Festival this weekend. And it will feature a new take on its beloved Holly Fest. On Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December, Drum Castle will be transformed for the festive season. Visitors can browse the Exclusively Highlands unique Christmas…

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On patrol at Bon Vivant Companion’s fizz tasting

Edinburgh wine merchant The Bon Vivant’s Companion has plenty of ideas for sparkling wines to grace the Christmas dinner table, as Peter Ranscombe finds out. I PROMISE that I don’t have a favourite wine shop – but if I were to draw up a top ten then The Bon Vivant’s Companion tucked away on Thistle…

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Celebrate a rural Christmas this weekend

Stargazing, carol-singing, a pantomime and a festive craft fair are part of an action-packed programme planned for the National Museum of Rural Life’s Christmas Fair at the Farm event. It will take place at the East Kilbride attraction on Sunday, 9 December. This special festive countryside celebration includes the chance to see donkeys in a…

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The Christmas dinner that’s the perfect present

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with restaurants all over the country presenting their special seasonal menus. The Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow is no different, as it prepares to revamp its restaurant in the New Year. The surroundings are wonderfully decadent and there’s a pleasant atmosphere as you enter the building, with…

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