Scran

On this episode of Scran we venture north to Craigellachie to preview the upcoming Spirit of Speyside festival and to set foot behind closed doors at the Craigellachie Distillery. Rosalind meets with Brand Home Ambassador, Mike McGinty there who takes her through the history of the distillery as well as what they have planned for the upcoming festival and of course, their festival bottling. He also shows her around the wonderful historic distillery, which you'll hear peppered throughout their conversation. Rosalind also had a sit down with Henry Angus, Chair of the Spirit of Speyside, who tells her all about his new role, what the festival has in store this year and how an event of this size comes together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Sran Rosalind is taking a deep dive into the world of Scottish Cider. As it continues to grow in popularity, Rosalind wanted to speak to some of the people who are the heart of the cider industry to see how their businesses are doing and what we can all look forward to. First up Rosalind speaks to Judith Gillies, who, with her husband Ron, runs Cairn o'Mohr winery in the Carse of Gowrie, Perthshire. Since 1987 they have been brewing up fruity award-winning wines and more recently, cider as they are based in an area famous for its apples, pears and plums. Judith tells Rosalind how they got into the business, how it is changing and what their hopes for the future are. Rosalind also chats to Grant Hutchison and his wife Jaye about their store Aeble in Anstruther, Scotland’s first dedicated cider shop. Grant was previously the drummer in Frightened Rabbit who in recent years had turned his attention to cider. Now they are putting on their first cider festival, which is happening in Edinburgh at the end of the month. They tell Rosalind all about how Covid prompted their move to Fife and the store's opening, as well as how people's understanding and appreciation for cider is changing. They also discuss their plans and hopes for the upcoming festival—one of the first of its kind for Scotland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Scran we are talking pies! Love 'em or hate em', pies are omnipresent in Scotland and Rosalind wanted to find out more about our relationship with the humble and pie and how this has changed down through the years. Rosalind's first stop had to be Boghall Butchers, winners of the Melton Mowbray Pie of Pies at the British Pie Awards last year. She went along and met with owner Paul Boyle and his daughter Mariesha Boyle to find out more about the family business, how they go about developing their award-winning pies and what's on the cards for this year's competition. Friend of Scran, food historian Peter Gilchrist of social media 'Tenement Kitchen' fame also joins Rosalind on this episode. Peter talks to her about the history of pies, our relationship with them, their evolution and how they are very much a part of our food culture. Which basically leaves everyone wanting a pie! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Scran Rosalind investigates how you go about operating a successful bakery in 2026. First up, she paid a visit to Lannan in Edinburgh. Lannan has been hitting the headlines and influencing people from all over the world via social media since it opened in 2023. Rosalind chats to baker and co-owner Darcie Maher about how the business came about, what that has meant for her life and the pressures that come with operating an extremely popular corner store bakery. The Bread Maker in Aberdeen will turn 20 this year, and as a more established business Rosalind wanted to know what was the secret to their success. Donald Anderson runs this social enterprise and spoke to her about their ethos in the coffee house, bakery and the classes they run. The Bread Maker aims to provide meaningful work opportunities to adults with learning disabilities. Donald fills her in on the truly inspiring work of the business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to this special partner episode of Scran where we are looking forward to Summer, and more specifically Scotland's biggest gathering - The Royal Highland Show. Every year more than 200,000 people visit the show in Ingliston which has been running for more than 200 years now. Its popularity is testament to the huge amount of work and preparation that goes into putting on the show every year. I visited Ingliston to learn more about what that takes and what visitors can look forward to this year. First up Rosalind chats to Kaye Adams, Chair Designate of the show. To say the show has been a part of her life since she was born is an understatement, she's now risen up the ranks and in her current role is preparing for the top job. She tells Rosalind about her memories of the show growing up, its importance in the agricultural community calendar and how it's formed a significant part of her life. Rosalind also took a walk around the event site with Catriona Brown, Competition Manager for the show. Catriona is definitely a logistics person - thousands of visitors, animals and exhibitors all need to be looked after and that's part of her job. She fills Rosalind in on some of the tasks this includes and explains the sheer scale and effort of putting on a show of this size. Both Catriona and Kaye give Rosalind a flavour of what can be expected this year for old and new visitors alike. The Royal Highland Show takes place from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st of June. Early bird tickets are on sale now up until late April. A new family ticket is also available this year which gives parents 20% of the standard entry free and remember, children 15 and under go free every day. See you there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Scran Rosalind talks to South African Scotland rugby stars, Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman. Outside their day job they have launched Hirundine, a 12 year old Speyside single malt which is a part of their Against the Grain whisky collection. During their chat they tell Rosalind how the business came about, the challenges they faced in getting it off the ground and the positive success it has seen to date. Duhan and Pierre have big plans and judging from this chat they will do their best to realise them. Rosalind being the Scottish rugby fan that she is, couldn't miss the opportunity to ask them about the upcoming Six Nations and whether they will be drinking their whisky from the Calcutta Cup in a few weeks! 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

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