Ghillie Basan - 'Food, Whisky, Life'

Ghillie Basan - 'Food, Whisky, Life'

From Scran by The Scotsman

April 17, 2026 · 42 min · Season 9 · Episode 21

About this episode

Ghillie Basan shares her life experiences, culinary journey, and insights on her latest book during an interview with Rosalind.

Ghillie Basan is one of Scotland's most talented culinary champions. She's been called 'The Original Spice Girl' and a 'World Food Expert' but what comes across most when you meet this author of more than 50 books, mostly on food, is her irrepressible spirit and thirst for life. On a snowy day Rosalind went along to Ghillie's highland home to chat with her about her childhood in East Africa, creating a home from 300 year old ruins, raising a young family in difficult conditions, building a livelihood from her remote home and the challenges she's met along the way. They talk about her close relationship with her children both in work and play and why her latest food book, 'Food, Whisky, Life', may be her last. She tells Rosalind the rather incredible story of how she got her first break in journalism, why she doesn't eat in restaurants very much and how a little bit of love can go a long way in cooking. They also look to the future and the hopes and dreams she still holds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Rosalind

Guest: Ghillie Basan

Topics covered

  • culinary arts
  • whisky
  • personal stories
  • family
  • food writing

Keywords

  • Ghillie Basan
  • food
  • whisky
  • cooking
  • journalism
  • family
  • Scotland

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Food, Whisky, Life

Places: Scotland, East Africa

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