From Ukraine to Scotland: Scotch Whisky Training School

Olga Varvarova visits the Scotch Whisky Training School at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh. FOR the longest time, whisky had been a drink I would avoid like the plague. As a Ukrainian, I’m much more accustomed to wine or “nalyvka” – a sweet liquor made of fruit or berry. However, my country’s national drink…

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Whisky news round-up: Orkney, Glenfiddich, and more

Peter Ranscombe rounds-up more whisky news from Scotland. ORKNEY is getting its third whisky distillery. Stuart and Adelle Brown have unveiled Deerness Distillery, which will be the first to open in the county for 138 years. Construction work on the six-figure distillery is expected to begin in the coming weeks after planning permission was granted.…

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Whisky oysters project tipped to double biodiversity

REINTRODUCING oysters near Glenmorangie distillery is expected to double biodiversity in the Dornoch Firth, according to a study published last night. The distillery has been working with Heriot-Watt University and the Marine Conservation Society since 2014 to bring oysters back to the firth. The team aims to have four millions oysters in the firth by…

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TV chef Julie Lin opens ‘can-teen’

TELEVISION chef Julie Lin is traveling around Scotland in a pop-up “can-teen” to promote canned food. Lin is working with environmental organisation Zero Waste Scotland to Dishes on her menu include Spam bao buns, Thai fish cakes, and saag curry. Her restaurant on wheels will visit Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen between 28 March and…

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A seat at the chef’s table at Commons Club Edinburgh

VIRGIN Hotels Edinburgh’s flagship restaurant, Commons Club, is gearing up for a new era with the launch of its new seasonal menu and a range of immersive dining experiences including The Chef’s Table which gives guests a front row seat to experience the creativity behind the craft. Created by chef de cuisine Emma Hanley and…

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Master Chefs of Great Britain raises £30,000

MORE than £30,000 was raised during last week’s Master Chefs of Great Britain Annual Fundraising Lunch at Gleneagles Hotel to support young chefs and apprentices in the hospitality industry. Lots in the auction included: fine dining experiences in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Perthshire; a signed guitar by Sharleen Spiteri from rock band Texas; and a framed…

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Drinks for Mothering Sunday

Drinks blogger James Robertson recommends bottles for Mothering Sunday. SINCE the Middle Ages, a celebration of motherhood has taken place on the fourth Sunday in Lent – hence Mothering Sunday. This is not to be confused with Mother’s Day, which started in the United States in the 1900s on the second Sunday in May. I…

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Glencairn Glass short story competition results revealed

THE Glencairn Glass – the world’s favourite whisky glass, produced by Scottish glassware company Glencairn Crystal – has today revealed the winner and runner-up of its Scottish-themed crime short story competition, in association with Scottish Field. Having supported and celebrated Scottish crime writing talent with its ongoing sponsorship of the prestigious McIlvanney and Bloody Scotland…

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Scots brands at No 10 and parliament

SCOTTISH coffee and beer brands are making waves at the heart of government. Perth-based Mhor Coffee will be served at the next cabinet meeting, while one of Arran Brewery’s beers was recently poured at the Stranger’s Bar in the Palace of Westminster. Tricia Fox, who founded her online coffee retailer with her husband during the…

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