Renowned the world over, Scottish seafood is the country’s largest food export and something we can be rightly proud of. In this special feature Ailsa Sheldon profiles some of the leading figures in the industry – from fishmongers to celebrated chefs to award-winning fish and chip shop owners. So tuck in folks!
As Edinburgh welcomes New Year revellers, across the city shiny new venues are flinging open their doors for the very first time. The capital shows that even in a tough year for hospitality, its food and drink scene is dynamic, diverse and ready to roar into 2023.
The chef and former owner of celebrated Glasgow deli and café Heart Buchanan has written a cookbook that promises ‘fast, workable, reliable and delicious’ salad recipes that can be enjoyed during any season of the year.
Winter is an ideal time to visit The Scottish Borders, the low sun burnishes the hills in golden light, roads are quiet and the lonely castles are even more atmospheric.
What is it about The Palmerston? Since it opened last year it’s been the most talked about, most recommended restaurant in Edinburgh. It’s earned rave reviews, a Michelin listing and the hearts of its many regulars. Looking around the room there are awkward first dates at the bar, a large group of women in sports-luxe, older couples and families. They all know what I now know: that The Palmerston is the best place for relaxed, unfussy dining in Edinburgh’s West End.
What does place mean to whisky? As grain, peat and barrels move around the country, does it really matter where our national drink is produced? In turn, what does whisky mean to the communities where it’s made? In his new book, A Sense of Place: A Journey Around Scotland’s Whisky, Scottish drinks writer Dave Broom goes on the road to find out. His journey takes him from Neolithic Orkney, criss-crossing the country and on many a CalMac ferry, as he speaks to distillers, blenders, farmers, barrel-makers – as well as archaeologists, perfumers and boat makers.
On the first bitingly cold night of the year we arrive at Heron and take a table by the window, shivering out of winter coats.
My introduction to Aberdeenshire is from the water. I’ve driven from Edinburgh in the dark and as the sun comes up, I pull on a damp wetsuit and buoyancy aid. I’ve roped in my sister and a friend (similarly bleary eyed) and we follow our guide Dave Jacobs, owner of Stonehaven Paddleboarding, into the sea.
As it turns colder and darker, we’re heading indoors to eat and drink... happily Edinburgh has some brilliant brand new venues to while away an autumnal afternoon or evening. By Ailsa Sheldon
A menu full of tasty surprises matches a truly magical setting and inspirational location.
