Scran

Welcome to the second part of our Christmas specials for 2025. In this episode we're delving into Christmas even more and bringing you hints, tips, novel stories and things to think about. First up, Rosalind went along to a Christmas Canapes class with Eat by Ailsa which took place in Leith. You'll hear some audio from the class and an interview Rosalind did with Ailsa McGuinness the following morning. They talk about how the business came about, what you can expect from one of Ailsa's classes and her hopes and plans for the future. Most importantly she has tips for prepping Christmas canapes that could save you a lot of time and hassle.Rosalind also went along to Copper Blossom in Edinburgh to hear about a rather surprising incident which has captured the public's imagination. Manager Paul Paxton filled her in on how they've managed to turn a crisis into a cause for good. Finally Rosalind chats to Jozef Youssef from Kitchen Theory, a multisensory gastronomy design studio, known for creating experimental and immersive food and drink experiences. Jozef tells Rosalind all about 'The Science of Christmas', their latest event, which is a unique, sensory-led experience that explores the science behind festive flavours, traditions, and emotions.  Thank you to all our listeners for being with us throughout the year, we hope you have a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2026. We'll be back very soon with more tales from Scotland's food and drink industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special partner episode of Scran Rosalind is joined by Fraser Cameron, head chef at the Michelin-listed 1610 at The Globe Inn in Dumfries. Fraser was recently named the first-ever winner of the Legacy Scholarship, a new award from Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland supporting the country’s rising culinary stars. As part of the prize, Fraser undertook a  five-day stage at London’s Ritz Hotel under Executive Chef John Williams MBE.Fraser tells Rosalind  all about the experience of going through the competition process as well as his time in the Ritz which has had a significant impact on him. They also discuss his ambitions for 1610, taking what he has learnt in London and applying it there but also how he can further develop his knowledge whilst aiming for further recognition by the Michelin Guide.He tells Rosalind about how the team at The Globe Inn strive to be the best they can be and deliver for each and every guest and the developments in the kitchen to help them do this like growing their own produce and ensuring staff welfare is of utmost priority. Fraser is truly passionate about his work and his untiring commitment to be the best is very clear from this interview. We hope you enjoy their chat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to a very special episode of Scran. This week Rosalind was invited to 10 Downing Street to partake in a celebration of Scottish food and drink in advance of St Andrew's day.  Following the event Rosalind sat down with the Prime Minister Keir Starmer to learn more about why he has brought back celebrating Scotland's national saint's day to Downing St, more about his favourite Scottish food and drinks as well as his thoughts on challenges being faced by both the fishing and whisky industries.  But first you'll hear some opening remarks from Satty Singh, owner of Mr Singh's Indian Restaurant in Glasgow who travelled to London to speak at the event and escort his team to provide their now-famous, tandoori salmon tikka for the event - a favourite of the Prime Minister's. Rosalind chats to Satty a little more later in the podcast to hear about the business and how it's evolved.  Rosalind also caught a quick word with Scran-alumni and Scottish fashion designer Siobhan Mackenzie who also attended the event. You'll hear music throughout this episode from Lussa, a Glasgow based traditional band who entertained guests at the event.  Happy St.Andrew's Day!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to our first Christmas special for 2025. On this episode Producer Kelly and Rosalind bring you a festive gift guide that has something for everyone, including more discussion of cheese with The Cheese Lady! Rosalind also pays a visit to the Southside Community Centre which is hosting Christmas day this year with a partnership event, 'Communities at Christmas'. They will be welcoming people experiencing homelessness and isolation for a day they aim to fill with joy and community.  Rosalind met Michael Traill, Chief Executive of the Southside Community Centre Association, Hannah Robertson-Newman, Service Lead of the Edinburgh Street Team of the Simon Community and Thomas Elsner who works on that team. They tell her about plans for the big day and how you can support them.  If you are worried about someone who is rough sleeping please visit simonscotland.org there's also a number you can call for people in Edinburgh, it's 08081782323.  You can find out more about the event here; https://southsidecommunitycentre.co.uk/communities-at-christmas-the-gift-of-belonging-this-christmas/ And donate here; https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/xmas2025 For more information on supporting someone experiencing homelessness visit; https://www.simonscotland.org Scran's second installation of Christmas specials will be here just in time for Christmas with much more coming between now and then. Stay tuned and thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Scran Rosalind visits The Cheese Lady. Svetlana Kukharchuk owns and runs two cheese shops in East Lothian.  Rosalind went along to the Haddington store to find out more about how she came to make cheese into a business, how she sources and chooses her cheese and well, just more about cheese in general. Svetlana also shared some of her favourite cheeses with Rosalind for a tasting which, spoiler alert, was pretty delicious. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode Rosalind visits Aberargie Distillery in Perthshire. The launch of the new Aberargie Whisky next March will mark the return to production for the Morrison family, arguably one of Scotland's most famous whisky families. Whilst there, Rosalind was given a tour of the distillery by Head of Distilling, Graeme Mackeddie, who shared with her what sets the new whisky apart and his hopes for the future of the distillery.   Rosalind also met with Brian Morrison, owner and founder who told her about the previous generations of his family that worked in whisky and why after 25 years it's time for them to get back in the game.  Rosalind also spoke to MD, Niel Hendricks who shares the vision for the business and guides Rosalind through a tasting of what will become the new whisky come next March. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode the Scran team paid a visit to Seaton House in St Andrews to sample Ondine mark II and chat to Roy Brett, Chef Patron for Ondine restaurants and Valor Hotels in the UK, and Michael Davern, General Manager of Seaton House. You'll hear snippets from the meal we enjoyed and a tour Michael took us on of the new hotel. We hope you enjoy it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special bonus episode of Scran we take you to the launch of Galloway distillery. Previously the Crafty Distillery in Newton Stewart, actor and drinks aficionado Sam Heughan has purchased the business to develop his Sassanach brand of spirits further.  In this episode you'll hear Sam giving a speech at the launch  and Rosalind's chat with him afterwards where he shares his childhood memories of the area and his hopes for the distillery. It was a rather windy day and a noisy space so apologies about the audio quality.  You'll also hear from Craig Rankin, Master Distiller who Rosalind also chatted to about the new whisky brand as well as their other gin and vodka products.  He gave her great insight into the process of creating the spirits and blends and about just how committed Sam Heughan is to his drinks project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Scran we are looking to the Middle East and its oldest microbrewery, Taybeh. Located in the West Bank, water only runs once a week and attacks are a constant threat. However, the only female brewmaster in the Middle East, Madees Khoury who runs Taybeh, says they are defying the odds and continuing to operate.  Now Taybeh have joined forces with Glasgow-founded B-Corp, Brewgooder, to produce a new lager, Sun & Stone, as export restrictions make it virtually impossible to ship abroad. The beer is now on sale in 1600 Co-op stores nationwide. Madees joins Rosalind to discuss the challenges her family brewery has been faced with in recent times as well as the partnership with Brewgooder. She also speaks to James Hughes, co-founder of Brewgooder who tells her more about this company who are trying to do some good in the world, and how the partnership came about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whilst it's still summer, it will soon be autumn and time for one of Scotland's food competitions which takes place every October in Carrbridge in the Highlands, it's the World Porridge Making Championship. A new documentary - the Golden Spurtle - looking at the festival and those involved had its premier at the Edinburgh film festival recently. On this episode of Scran Rosalind does a deep dive into this competition. She is joined by Charlie Miller, organising and ex-Championship Chieftain, Constantine Consti, writer and director of The Golden Spurtle and Chris Ormiston, reigning porridge-making champion who is set to defend his title in October.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Scran Rosalind speaks to two of the Scran Award's winners we celebrated earlier this summer. Anna Parker who is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Celentano's in Glasgow joins Rosalind to talk about the business and winning the Restaurant of the Year award.   Chef of the Year, Roberta Hall-McCarron who runs a number of popular and busy restaurants in Edinburgh including The Little Chartroom also joins her to talk the ups and downs of being a restaurateur.  Both of these women who are leading the way in Scottish dining share what it's like to work in an industry alongside their partners as well as raising a family at the same time.  They tell Rosalind about how they have seized upon opportunities to build, grow and expand and disclose the challenges that stretch them on a daily basis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's that time of year again when we head to the world-famous Edinburgh festivals to sample some of what's available for locals and visitors alike. The festivals are back with a bang this year - Edinburgh is absolutely jam-packed with people and performers.  Producer Kelly and Rosalind brave the busy streets - starting the day with an Eating Edinburgh: Fringe Festival Food Tour. Luana Scott-Moncreif, their tour guide brings them to different restaurants and shops in the city, learning more about the fringe and catching some street performances on the way as they eat their way around Edinburgh. Their next stop was the Edinburgh Gin Distillery for Ready, Steady, Cocktail - yes, it is exactly what it sounds like - that famous show, reincarnated but with Edinburgh Gin-based cocktails. You'll hear Gordon Dundas who hosts the show and Rosalind speaking to Sarah Prior, Brand Homes Head of Sales and Marketing for Edinburgh Gin Distillery who tells her all about the show and the new distillery. Finally the team went along to see Emmy award-nominated Cory Cavin's 'Enjoy your meal' - a one man show which portrays a somewhat fraught evening in the life of chef Wayne Swingle.  You'll hear some of the show as well as a chat Rosalind had with him online the next morning. If you do get to go to enjoy the festivals we hope you have a great time and enjoy some quality scran! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the 9th series of Scran! We're back after a short summer break and we have another wonderful season ahead full of interesting tales from the world of Scotland's food and drink.On this episode we are fully embracing the summer and talking all things ice-cream.  A few weeks back Rosalind visited two ice-cream producers. The first, new kid on the block, Peacocks, on the Southside of Glasgow and the second, a Scottish institution, Lucas of Mussleburgh. At Peacocks Rosalind met ice-cream entrepreneur Jennifer Clapp who has brought her own signature North America style of ice cream to Scotland.  At Lucas Yolanda Luca, the third generation of ice-cream makers told Rosalind all about the family business and how it has evolved over time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special partner episode of Scran Rosalind is joined by legendary Scottish actor James Cosmo.  In recent years James has worked alongside Annandale Distillery to create a blended whisky. 'Storyman' is named in honour of James, and for his reputation as a great raconteur, which you'll become very aware of in this podcast! Rosalind chats to James about his great passions; acting, whisky and food. He shares memories from his days working on the cinematic giant that was Braveheart, including a story about coincidence that is hard to believe.  Rosalind hears more about the process for developing his blend working alongside the master blenders at Annandale. James gets very animated when asked about his passion for cooking - in fact, he might call it an obsession! You can find out more about Storyman and Annandale Distillery by visiting their website. Tours of the distillery run every day of the week from 10am until 4pm. Each tour includes up to 5 dramsincluding a taste of James' blend Storyman'.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When we set out to record this episode of Scran we wanted to investigate the impact of Italian food and the businesses associated with it in Scotland and what we ended up making was an episode about 'generations of strong women'.   Rosalind's first guest, Giovanna Eusebi, who runs Eusebis Deli in Glasgow, used those exact words to describe her family and business.From her fascination with capers to the touching memories she's helped create around the table, Giovanna shares her passion for Italian food and culture and the story of how her business has been so successful. From Glasgow to Edinburgh and the home and kitchen of Sabrina Damiani. Rosalind was treated to a beautiful afternoon tea prepared by Sabrina when they met. Rosalind hears all about her journey from Sicily to Edinburgh via Oxford, and a career in academia, to now running her own private dining and catering business, Damiani Fine Dining. This episode is like a sonic hug so grab a glass of your favourite Italian tipple and settle in for a listen full of tradition, family, love and most importantly...food. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rosalind's guest on this episode of Scran is Julie Lin. In their chat you'll hear all about how Julie's upbringing in Glasgow and her path to where she is today. She's just brought out her first cook book Sama, Sama and they discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Scran Rosalind is at Inver restaurant on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll and Bute to hear about the Dived not Dredged campaign. This campaign, which is being run by Open Seas, is aiming to raise awareness of the damage being done by dredging for scallops and encourage the more sustainable practice of hand diving, which they believe all consumers have a role in. Rosalind spoke to Andrea Ladas, Sustainable Seafood Officer for Open Seas, David Stinson, diver, Will Branning of the Sustainable Restaurant Association and Pam Brunton, co-owner and Head Chef at Inver. In her discussions Rosalind looks at the issues with dredging for scallops, how this is impacting the sea bed and the fishing industry and considers what it means for chefs and consumers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of Scran is all about Scotland's historical relationship with tea and more specifically the rise and fall of the great Glasgow tea rooms.  Rosalind is joined by Dr Lindsay Middleton, Food Historian and Knowledge Exchange Associate at the University of Glasgow and friend of the podcast Peter Gilchrist, who is a Scottish food history writer. Lindsey and Peter organised the 2025 Scottish Food History Symposium on tea which took place recently and was delivered in partnership with Mackintosh at the Willow and the National Trust for Scotland.Roaslind went along to the tea Symposium at Mackintosh at the Willow in Glasgow. There she learnt how tea in Glasgow was linked to women, trade and slavery, art, class, tourism, Scottish identity, and diaspora. The event was truly fascinating and shared the rich history of Glaswegian tearooms. You'll hear from Perilla Kinchin, Author of Taking Tea with Mackintosh: The Story of Miss Cranston's Tea Rooms - talking about Kate Cranston, the first lady of Glasgow's tea rooms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  You'll also hear snippets from Professor Andrew Mackillop's talk on some of the earliest presence of tea in Glasgow and how it became surprisingly political. You can find out more about the symposium from @tenementkitchen and @lindsaymiddleton_ on instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Scran Rosalind took a trip to Arran to learn a little more about food and drink production on the island.  Her first stop was at Lagg Distillery where Fred Baumgärtner, Brand Home Ambassador and Head Tour Guide showed her around this ultra-modern distillery set atop a cliffside with the most spectacular views. She sat down with Fred and Graham Omand, Distillery Manager to learn more about the liquid and what they've got coming up. From Lagg to Bellevue Farm where Rosalind met Agnes Madden who helps out and Donald Currie who is a sixth generation farmer to work this land. Rosalind got to learn more about their traditional farm and how they have adapted in recent years to work with Lagg as well as welcoming visitors to stay and experience life on the farm. You'll hear mention of Ailsa too - that's Donald's wife. Oh and did she get to hold and feed a baby lamb? You'll have to listen to find out. Finally, where else but to James of Arran? The famous Scottish chocolate brand was Rosalind's final port of call before heading back to the mainland. She met James McChlerey there who told her all about the business. If you would like to find out more about visiting Arran and it's wonderful food and drink please visit www.arransfoodjourney.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special partner episode of Scran we are talking about all things Angus. A region often associated with smoked fish and soft fruit - Rosalind found both when she visited but also a lot more.  First stop was to meet with Helen and Wouter Margaroli of Rae's of Montrose. Rosalind went along to their beautiful rural cottage for a cookery lesson and to chat about their private catering business as well as the innovative experiences they offer like foraging tours and location dining.  After some hard work it was time for a drink and so on to Arbikie Distillery. This distillery is unlike any we've featured before, they produce Gin, Vodka and Rye Whisky but do it in the most sustainable way possible. They have really gone to extreme lengths to ensure what they are doing is streets ahead of many distilleries when it comes to saving the planet. Brand Ambassador, Gilbert Ionescu gave Rosalind a tour of the distillery and she sat down with John Stirling, one of the founders, to find out how it all came about. Finally, Rosalind paid a visit to Charleton Farm. This is an amazing destination attraction which was taken over by Graeme and Lisa McColl four years ago. They have transformed the business and expanded it dramatically whilst still operating a fully functioning farm. Graeme outlined their vision and the hard work that's going into achieving it. Angus is a great destination for a short break or day trip and the food and drink is excellent. For more information on any of the businesses that featured in this episode and many more please go to visitangus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices