Scran

Summer in Scotland can mean one thing for a lot of people - the chance to get out and about and enjoy the fairs and agricultural shows that are taking place across the country. One such popular annual event is The Scottish Game Fair. Taking place at Scone Palace between 3 and 5 July, it celebrates Scotland's rich countryside heritage through fishing demonstrations, various animal competitions, interactive events, the Scottish Venison Cookery Theatre and much more. Rosalind wanted to hear more about what visitors could expect, so she spoke to the cookery theatre curator Daniela Forbes, who is a chef and food stylist.Sarah Rankin also joined the podcast. Sarah is one of the chefs who is appearing at this year's event and is a MasterChef finalist and food writer.Rosalind asked them about how they got involved with the Scottish Game Fair, how they go about curating and planning the demonstrations and why venison is something we don't always reach for in preparing our regular meals. You can find out more about the The Scottish Game Fair and book tickets on www.scottishfair.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode we're looking at going sober - yes it's all around us as Dry January takes hold and whilst it's not for everyone there is no denying it has become more and more popular in recent years. Rosalind speaks to two entrepreneurs about their alcohol-free businesses to hear more about this growing industry. First up she chats to Sonja Mitchell founder of Jump Ship brewing. A company born of a need for good quality, tasty, alcohol-free beer. Sonja shares how she came to set up the business, the challenges and ire she has faced since then, as well as the huge opportunity she has grabbed and where she plans to go with it next. Rosalind also spoke to Kate Kenyon, founder of Sobrbar in Aberdeen, the city's first alcohol-free bar. Kate tells her how health challenges led to her giving up alcohol and how that, combined with a distinct lack of social spaces for those who prefer not to drink led to her opening the bar. She too has faced unwarranted criticism but despite this she has found there to be a really positive appetite for the service. Happy New Year to all Scran listeners! 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 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 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 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

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

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