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

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On this episode of Scran we are previewing one of the hottest whisky dates on the calendar - the Campbeltown Malts Festival. Despite being one of the smaller whisky regions, Campbeltown really does pack a punch and Rosalind wanted to find out what fans could look forward to at this year's event, particularly the bottlings.

Glen Scotia recently held a preview event in Edinburgh where Rosalind went along to hear all about the exclusive offerings to be had at the upcoming festival;

You'll hear from Gary Mills, Global Brand Ambassador who hosted a session to deconstruct the festival bottling and what an eye-opener it was. 

After that session Rosalind chatted with Ashley Smith, Master Blender for Glen Scotia who, will for the first time this year be on hand in her new role. She talks about the history of Campbeltown and its whisky heritage as well as what she's looking forward to at this year's festival. 

From Glen Scotia to Springbank! A few days later Rosalind caught up with David Allan, Director of Sales and Marketing for the sought-after whisky. David shared more detail on their festival releases and how they are trying to cope with demand severely outstripping supply.

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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

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On this episode of Scran Rosalind is riding the wave of Michelin star celebrations when she speaks to two new recipients. Stuart Ralston of Layla and Rodney Wages of Avery, both very new restaurants, join Rosalind to talk all about the process of gaining the star, how they have achieved it, what it means for their teams and what happens once they win.

This episode gives a great insight into the world of fine dining and just what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the industry.

Photo by Murray Orr.

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On this episode Rosalind takes a trip to The Pitt in North Edinburgh - named after its birthplace on Pitt St, this street food and community hub is doing things a little differently. Rosalind met with founder Hal Prescott who told her all about how the popularity of The Pitt has grown since its beginnings in 2015 and how expansion and a change of location has brought many opportunities and its fair share of challenges.

Rosalind also chats to some of the traders who are working out of containers on the new site in Granton. First up is Nicole and Ameer Limbu of Choola, who make amazing bhajis.

Robin Strigner of The Buffalo Truck tells Rosalind about being with The Pitt since its inception.

Finally, Andi Spiers Fergusson and Euan Casserley share how their passion to travel has influenced their cooking and the lifestyle choice of running a number of street food businesses.

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On this episode of Scran we are banishing thoughts of dry January and focusing on two of Rosalind's favourite topics - music and booze.

Rosalind is joined by Dougie Payne from Travis to talk about his recent beer collaboration marking their new album L.A.Times. 'Raze the bar' was created with Signature Brew and Dougie tells Rosalind about how the beer came about and how it is inspired by music from the album. Founder of Signature Brew Sam McGregor also joins the podcast to talk about the project, as does Felipe Schrieberg of The Rhythm and Booze project. Felipe and the other guests consider how music and drinks combine perfectly and the challenges faced by both industries.

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On today's episode of Scran we are celebrating Robert Burns. Rosalind chats to a variety of people about Burns night and the associated impending merriment. First up is Graham Main of The Big Burns Supper. Graham is at the heart of the celebrations in Dumfries that have been running for 13 years. Rosalind learns more about the organisers approach to the festival and their main aim of being inclusive so as many people as possible can share in the celebrations of this Scottish cultural icon.

When Scran visited The Globe Inn in Dumfries last summer we met the wonderful raconteur and entertainer Kathleen Cronie of Mostly Ghostly. We asked Kathleen back on the podcast to share her love of Burns and to provide us with that all important recitation, in honour of his poetry. This is not to be missed.

Finally, chef Paul Wedgwood of Wedgwood Restaurant, joined Rosalind to share his rather adventurous experiences of Burns night and suggestions for alternatives that might be of interest if you're over the standard of haggis, neeps and tatties.

Have a great Burns night if you're celebrating!

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January is all about clean living and what is cleaner than seaweed? This is a corner of the Scottish food and drink industry we've been eager to explore on Scran for a while so it seemed like a good time to do so.

First up Rosalind speaks to Lawrie Stove of Scottish Seaweed Farming. Lawrie tells her all about how his career on the sea has brought him to this point. He explains how they seed and grow the seaweed and the process behind turning them into a sellable product. He also enlightens Rosalind as to the huge variety of dishes that seaweed can feature in.

Rosalind also speaks to Keith Paterson of Shore Seaweed who produce some very tasty snacks. Keith tells Rosalind about the process they go through to harvest the seaweed as well as what's entailed in deciding on new flavours. Their snacks have been going from strength to strength but Keith says there's no space for complacency and the industry needs to keep innovating.

We hope you enjoy this episode and Happy New Year listeners!

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Welcome to part two of our annual Christmas Scran specials. We're fully engrossed in all things Christmas and we're pleased to say this episode is jam packed full of joy, tradition and cheer.

First up on this podcast Rosalind meets Peter Gilchrist, Scottish Food Historian, writer and friend of the podcast who takes her through the evolution of the Scottish Christmas and how we have arrived at many of our modern day customs and traditions. Peter and Rosalind met at the beautifully decorated The Ivy restaurant in Glasgow to enjoy a festive brunch. Peter is always a fascinating guest and we guarantee you that you will walk away from today's episode knowing something new about Christmas.

Then we head back to Bow Market in Fife to talk to Chris Miles of Inchcolm Distillery who makes a very interesting spirit from leftover apples, and Stephen Wade of Woodmill Game who tells Rosalind about how he created and moulded his business. 

Finally you'll hear from Barry Bryson who lets us in on the life of a chef at Christmas time as well as his exciting plans for the year ahead..but most importantly - he has tips for the Christmas dinner! Something we all relish in the run up to the big day...

Thanks to listening to Scran throughout 2024, we will return in 2025 with lots more tales from inside the food and drink industry we know and love in Scotland.

Merry Christmas and happy new year!

Rosalind & Kelly 

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What is Christmas about but eating, drinking and being merry? Rosalind is here in part 1 of our two episode Christmas special to help you do all those things! But of course, Christmas is also about caring and giving so she's also been visiting a charity that is doing just that with the help of the public.

First up on this festive episode of Scran Rosalind heads to Bowhouse Market in Fife - if you are looking for a festive shopping destination without any of the guilt of buying from supersize producers then this is the place for you! 

Luckily there is one more market happening before Christmas so this is your opportunity to hear from a small selection of the food and drink traders who will be there to help you tick off that Christmas list. First up Rosalind chats to Susie Anderson of East Coast Cured, followed by Stuart of Barnett's Bakery in Anstruher who was joined on his stall by his daughter Jessie, Lucy Patto Davidson from Fodder and Farm and Rosie Jack who manages the market.

Every year the team at Scran like to take the time to feature a charity in Scotland who is working with those who won't be able to enjoy the Christmas they might have wished for. This year we went along to the Eva Burrows Life House project in Cambuslang which is run by the Salvation Army. There Rosalind met with Karen Good who runs the service, service users Stephen and Peter and finally staff members Yvonne Mackenzie, Paula Thomson and David Dean.

Finally, you'll hear Rosalind chatting to Fiona Grant, the Founder of Glen Lyon coffee who have released a special Christmas coffee that you are going to want to get your hands on before the festivities begin.

To support the work of the Salvation Army in Scotland and the wonderful team at Eva Burrows Lifehouse visit salvationarmy.org.uk/scotland-office

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