Newsletters

Speed Bonnie Boat….

We had the joy of visiting Skye on our Scottish Food Guide travels this month. Talk about destination dining! We left Fife after a brief

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Write on Target

Food tourism and service providers have been at the forefront of July for us; both as suppliers and recipients, highlighting the immense importance of establishing

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Border Crossings 

Borders are fascinating: geographically, historically and food culturally. As I flicked through May’s diary entries I saw a common thread of borderlands I decided to

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The Big Biodiversity Debate

Yet another newspaper with an article on the villainy of meat. How dare they indulge their favoured journalists, repeatedly giving them an influential platform to

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A Tale of Two Champions

Two very different Championships with much in common. The IGCAT European Young Chef 2023 was held last autumn, hosted by European Region of Gastronomy 2023,

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All aboard the MV Hjaltland

Shetland may have the unwelcome distinction of being the archipelago most likely to be parked off Aberdeen on ill-mannered maps but during the year they

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Do it buy the Book!

When we flitted from Edinburgh and renovated our wee seaside retreat for full time living, our architect had a specific brief to follow: an antique

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The Staff of Life

As the seasons unfold, different delicacies take to the fore: artisan cheese after summer grazing; new season’s crab; North Ronaldsay sheep come new year and

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Rocky road & ruchie rolls

Loving families exist in all shapes and sizes, whether perfect circles or rickety rhomboids. Some are tiny like my ‘side’ of the family, others extended

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A New Year: A New World?

This week we were invited to the tenth birthday celebration of Nourish where we met old friends and new, with the conversation (rising above some

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From little acorns…

Sometimes we wonder why we do what we do, particularly in this challenging world we live in, yet from little acorns grow mighty oaks and

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A Mini Orkney Saga

Someone once told me a good blog should be 300 words – well I’ve blown that today however I hope you enjoy our travels as

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Food Sovereignty

There is much talk of food sovereignty, shortages, poverty, power and progress…or the lack of it. Which direction will it take? Well that depends on

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Scottish Food News

It’s been a busy spell at Scottish Food Guide HQ and we’re itching to visit places again although also aware many establishments need to take

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Balancing the Beef

Beef, climate and COP26 are fast becoming the talk o’ the steamie [the Scottish communal wash-houses, steamies, had a well-founded reputation as hotbeds of blether]. Already a defining news

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Tales from the Seashore

As we emerge from lockdown we shall be able to travel the highways and byways again, visiting fabulous members, friends and family…making up for lost

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Local, Local, Local!

When seeking property, location location location is drilled into us. Now, in our new world, it is local being similarly touted. Of course there are those of

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Open All Hours!

We emerge, traveling hopefully, optimistically; realistically acknowledging the world is different but forging on. Such is the hospitality industry. Right? Many of our friends have

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Food Politics

Food has never been more political. Well, perhaps an exaggeration when I think of the Irish potato famine and the French revolution…but nevertheless food is

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Let’s Stay in Touch

Dear friends, fellow foodies and all those in hospitality business, an extended and diverse family indeed. Words cannot express the situation that most of us

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Goodfoodology!

I count myself lucky indeed that the interests and pursuits I am most passionate about happen also to be how I earn my living: Good

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Tattie Time Today!

In a world of international cuisine, noodles and nachos, rice and cornmeal, it is refreshing to see a celebration of potatoes! Travel to Germany and

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Heritage Foods of Alba

Wendy Barrie, Scottish Food Guide, will be presenting The Heritage Foods of Alba Exhibition at The Scottish Parliament on March 5th– 7th inclusive. This Member Sponsored Exhibition

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The Sap is Rising!

After last year’s beast from the east one can never be sure, but our crocus bulbs think spring is near and among Perthshire’s birch trees

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London Calling

Personally speaking, my travels to London are sufficiently infrequent to still be fun! My earliest memory is of going to ‘see the sights’ in the

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A Vote for Good Food!

Food is emotive. Food is political. Food is convivial. Food brings back fond memories of holidays, family, celebrations. Yet sadly food can also have negative

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Taste of Shetland

Whether it is its proximity to Scandinavia or the friendly folk; the breathtaking views or the abundance of amazing produce, both Orkney and Shetland are

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Orkney Adventures – Part 2

The Lynnfield Hotel is a wonderful place for foodies to hang their hat whilst visiting all these fabulous islands and produce. Not many folks can boast

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Over the Sea to Skye

I am sufficiently young to recall when there were only ferries to Skye! My very first holiday minus parents was youth hostelling in Kyle with

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