Rosalind's guest on this episode needs little introduction these days as he has become one of Scotland's best known food ambassadors. Coinneach MacLeod aka The Hebridean Baker joins Scran once again to fill Rosalind in on his adventures - sharing his love of hebridean baking, cookery and culture all around the world. He's just launched a new book, The Scottish Cook Book and Rosalind delves into what he's included in this one and hears all about his recent trip to America which included some amazing 'pinch me' moments for Coinneach.

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On this very special bonus episode of Scran produced in partnership with Diageo we are heading north as Cardhu distillery celebrates 200 years of producing whisky. Licensed in 1824, it was the first distillery to be officially pioneered by a woman. And what better way to mark this special occasion than by celebrating all women pioneers, and three in particular?

This episode was recorded at Cardhu Distillery in Speyside and features snippets from a celebratory event where the team welcomed-in the local community to hear from these modern trailblazers. They are; fashion designer Siobhan McKenzie, Owner of Ujamaa Spice, Jawahir Al-Mauly and founder of Dear Green Coffee, Lisa Lawson. Rosalind chats to each of them about the challenges they've faced and the successes they've achieved in their inspiring businesses.

To hear more about the history of Cardhu and the celebrations to mark 200 years of licensed whisky production (including a new bottling) Rosalind also chats to Assistant Experience & Events Manager for Cardhu, Jo Henderson.

You'll find out more about 200 years of Cardhu and the anniversary celebrations here.

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On this episode, we take a deep dive into Halloween traditions, folklore and food with food historian and writer Peter Gilchrist and Rebecca McEwan from Arnprior Farm.

As we really get into autumn season this month, many of us will be looking forward to Halloween and possibly going to a pumpkin patch to pick one to carve for Halloween. Rebecca’s farm, Arnprior in Stirlingshire, started growing pumpkins in 2015 and is now one of the many pick your own pumpkin patches in Scotland - offering a fun family day out in the lead up to Halloween. She tells us about diversifying into pumpkins and what visitors can expect as well as her own memories of childhood celebrations for Halloween.

For those old enough to remember guising, dooking for apples and carving a turnip not a pumpkin, Peter tells us about the long history of Halloween in Scotland and the importance of seasonal food at this time. He also has a few interesting thoughts on carving turnips!

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On today's episode we're learning a lot more about cask trading as well as about a whole new way of profiling whisky flavours - by mood!

On this episode Rosalind takes a trip to her homeland of Fife to visit Single Cask. Established in 2010 Single Cask bottles award-winning whiskies at natural cask-strength and trades whisky all over the world. In an attempt to set themselves apart from other independent whisky bottlers they have invented a whole new marketing method which allows customers to select a dram based on how they are feeling. Rosalind gets a tour of their facility in Glenrothes by General Manager, Jan Damen followed by a whisky tasting and an opportunity to understand how you classify whisky by mood.

Rosalind learns more about how cask trading differs from cask investment and how some of the headlines around cask investment aren't all they're cracked up to be!

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This episode it's all about women in whisky. Rosalind is joined by Becky Paskin, drinks journalist, broadcaster and founder of Our Whisky Foundation which supports and promotes women in the whisky industry. Rosalind is also joined by Sarah Burgess, whisky maker for the Lakes Distillery.

The trio discuss the reasoning behind setting up the Our Whisky Foundation and what it's doing for women in the industry. This includes a very successful mentorship programme which is growing by the year. Sarah and Becky share their really positive experience being part of the initiative as well as the exciting opportunity to create a whole new whisky.

Earlier this year they curated the world's first whisky auction made by and dedicated to women. The Demeter collection was sold to raise funds for the foundation. Sarah developed a special whisky for the collection and Becky has been pivotal in ensuring the success of the auction which has proved to be a great triumph.

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To mark the 900th anniversary of the Royal Burgh of Stirling, Forth Valley Food and Drink has launched a series of four captivating short documentaries that delve into the lesser-known stories of Stirling’s rich food and drink heritage.

Rosalind wanted to learn more about this series so spoke to Lesley Wilkinson who researched and commissioned the films and Murray Cook, Stirling Council's archaeologist to learn more.

Lesley talks about why the films came about and some of the amazing finds they made in the process of researching the films including about a world-record breaking grape vine.

Stirling Castle and Bannockburn House feature in the series as do fascinating stories about how Bonnie Prince Charlie was treated for an injury there using a posset. Funded by Scotland Food and Drink’s Regional Food Fund, the films uncover a range of unexpected tales including how the first dram was drunk there by James IV in 1494 and how the first firework was also set off there. Murray also shares stories of beer witches and those being accused of witchcraft and the sad fate they met.

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It's that time of year again when team Scran cannot resist the temptation of the world's biggest arts festival. Rosalind went along earlier this week to enjoy a foodie's day out at the festival and bring you some top shows to consider if you're heading to Edinburgh this August. First up she hit C Venue for coffee, a croissant and Shakespeare for Breakfast. This show has been performed at the Edinburgh Fringe festival for 33 years. Rosalind chats to Mary Gensich, Company Manager for C Theatre and Clare Louise Roberts, one of the performers, to hear about this year's show.

Then for something completely different Rosalind went to A History of Fortune Cookies performed by Sean Wai Keung. With an audience of ten this was a really intimate show where Sean shared his story about the influence of his Chinese grandparents all while baking the audience their own fortune cookies.

For many the festival is all about the Fringe and the laughs, Daniel Downie definitely brought those in his whisky-soaked show Daniel Downie: Dram(a)s which was Rosalind's third show of the day. 

Whilst many may start an evening at the festival with a glass of wine or 5 Rosalind chose to finish up with In Pour Taste - a wine tasting from Australian comedians Ethan Cavanagh and Sweeney Preston who have teamed up with local wine experts to produce a raucous one hour and 15 mins of entertainment (and some wine education). 

Make sure to check out The Scotsman's coverage of the festivals to be right up to date with reviews and recommendations.

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We've got something a little different for you today - the first ever Scran Live! which took place at this year's Royal Highland Show in Ingliston. The Royal Highland Show is such an inspirational and vibrant event it was wonderful to be part of it.

Our panel session looked at what it's like for small producers to get their products on to supermarket shelves. We welcomed back some previous Scran alumni Kim Cameron of Jam Bothy and Gin Bothy, and Tim Chisholm of Buck and Birch. And new to the podcast was guest Christie Clinton, a food and drink business consultant who previously worked as a buyer with Aldi.

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On this special partner episode of Scran Rosalind pays a trip to an historic hostelry in the South of Scotland - the one and only Globe Inn in Dumfries and Galloway. Famed as the favourite haunt and second home of Robert Burns, it was purchased by David Thomson and Teresa Church in 2018. Their investment in this famous bar and restaurant has seen it go from strength to strength. 

Rosalind's visit starts with a tour of this fascinating establishment, guided by Kathleen Cronie (Mostly Ghostly), the resident storyteller who regales her with stories of the Bard and his fondness for the inn. 

Following the tour Rosalind was treated to an outstanding tasting menu lunch prepared by Head Chef Fraser Cameron and Head of Cuisine at Annandale Distillery and The Globe Inn, Johnathan Brett. She talks to them about their experience of running the kitchen and what plans lie ahead for The Globe Inn and the 1610 restaurant. Michelin star anyone?

Finally, Rosalind sits down with owners David and Teresa to talk about the Inn's new lease of life. They fill Rosalind in on their relationship with this famous venue and how they have now become 'custodians' as they like to be called for this and future generations.

You can book a tour of The Globe Inn or a table in the 1610 restaurant by visiting www.globeinndumfries.co.uk

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The Scotsman's Scran Awards took place for the second year recently. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with the great and good of the Scottish food and drink industry. The shortlisted businesses and individuals are testament to the vibrant and thriving industry. Rosalind wanted to get a couple of the winners to come on Scran to talk about their business and explain what the awards mean for them and their teams.

First up she is joined by Chef Neil Forbes Cafe St Honore in Edinburgh whopicked up the coveted award of 'Outstanding Contribution to the Industry'. Neil talks about his long and varied career as well as his love for traditional Scottish fayre and quality local produce. Neil's not shy with his opinions on modern dining but his passion for his craft and his desire to create a rewarding dining experience for his customers is clear.

Blair Sterrick UK Sales Manager for Isle of Harris Distillers also joins Rosalind to chat about their wins. They picked up 'Best Spirit' for Harris Gin and 'Best Whisky' for The Hearach. Blair talks Rosalind through how the distillery was set up with the explicit intention of creating industry on the island to help sustain the working population and combat depopulation. They talk about their hugely popular Harris Gin both for the liquid but also that distinctive bottle and about The Hearach which is relatively new on the block and now too making waves in the whisky world. Rosalind also uncovers an exclusive story about a new bottle that will be available very soon.

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