Last-minute drinks for Valentine’s Day

Drinks blogger James Robertson recommends some last-minute drinks for Valentine’s Day. THE annual culling of red roses, carnations, and other flowers is taking place as florists prepare for Saint Valentine’s Day or, if one is being correct, the Feast of Saint Valentine. Chocolates, bottles of fizz, and maybe a few engagement rings are all being…

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Spirits news from the Hebrides

THREE spirits stalwarts on the Outer Hebrides are having a busy start to the year. Angus A MacMillan and Angus E MacMillan, the father-and-son team building Benbecula distillery, have unveiled the first three bottles from MacMillan Spirits. They’ve launched: “Wheelhouse Whisky”, an eight-year-old single cask Islay single malt; “Machair Gin”, a gin that contains heather…

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Dry January – is it worth it?

Drinks blogger James Robertson looks at the options for “Dry January”. SOME of us do “Sober October”, some of us do “I Cannae Remember December”, and some are now two weeks into “Dry January”. I have not been successful in achieving Dry January by the way, but hats off to my wife who has stoically…

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‘Monster meets mountain’ as Cobbs runs Nevis Range cafés

LOCH NESS-BASED hospitality group Cobbs is taking over the eateries at Nevis Range. Cobbs will run the Snowgoose and Pinemarten cafés, a gift shop, and the hotel being built at the moutain’s base station. The 26-bedroom hotel – along with a bar and restaurant, bike shop, gift shop, and a covered courtyard with events space…

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Whisky news round-up: Deacon Blue, festivals, and more

Peter Ranscombe sticks his tongue in his cheek to round-up the latest news from the world of whisky. THE National Whisky Festival of Scotland returns to Edinburgh tomorrow. The festival is back at Summerhall, the arts centre in the former Royal Dick Vet School near the Meadows. Gareth Croll, the festival’s co-ordinator, said: “It’s such…

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Braw Liquor Club

CALLING all cocktail connoisseurs! Looking for something a bit different this festive season? Introducing Braw Liquor Club, locally sourced small batch bottled cocktails from the Isle of Bute, expertly crafted with premium Scottish ingredients. Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Mackirdy founded the company less than a year ago, and already her tasty concoctions are making a splash, having…

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Glencairn Crystal: Glassware gifts full of Christmas spirit

SCOTTISH family run Glencairn Crystal can help bring some sparkle to your festive celebrations with their stunning range of crystal glassware. There’s something to suit all tastes and many items can also be personalised with bespoke engraving. New for this Christmas, Glencairn Crystal has developed a cutting edge 3D visualiser for their online shop which…

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Tayport Distillery

TAYPORT Distillery is a family business, born out of love for fine food and drink and a mission to use the best locally sourced ingredients for great tasting spirits. Kecia McDougall was inspired on a holiday to France, where she watched farmers use fruit at the end of growing season to produce eau de vie.…

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Rosie’s Top Ten Christmas Stocking Fillers

Short on ideas for this year’s stocking fillers? You’re in the right place! Chief Sub-Editor Rosie Morton knows exactly what’s on her Christmas wish-list… With less than a month to go until the Jolly Old Man In Red makes his appearance, she has compiled her top ten must-haves for 2022: 1: Johnstons of Elgin What is…

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Food and drink news round-up

Chefs, sherry, and fizz are among the flavours in Peter Ranscombe‘s latest food and drink news round-up. CHEF Michele Di Bonito from Sicilian restaurant Battimandorlo will visit Glasgow on 16 November to cook a six-course tasting menu at Eusebi Deli. Owner Giovanna Eusebi said: “We are so proud to welcome Michele into our kitchen all…

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