Scran

On this episode of Scran Rosalind visits Badachro Distillery in Gairlock on the North West coast where she met Vanessa Quinn who gave her a tour of the facility. Her partner in life and business Gordon wasn't there that day but caught up with Rosalind via Zoom a few weeks later when he filled her in on how the business came about and how they are going from strength to strength.

On this episode of Scran it's all about celebrating whisky - but at long last, we get to do it in person! Rosalind travelled north to experience the return of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. With people attending from all over the world, she caught up with many directly involved in the festival, producers and those visiting simply to sample and enjoy the whisky. First up was a tour of Glenfiddich where guide Brian Weir gave a great insight into the history of this world famous brand and the whisky mavericks of Dufftown. Rosalind speaks to Sarah Burgess, Creative Director of the Craigellachie Collection about her long career in the whisky trade and how she is on a mission to popularise the highball. One of the joys of Scottish whisky festivals is the wonderful entertainment that's always laid on, the Spirit of Speyside was no different. You'll hear Joe Aitken singing a bothy balled at the fireside during a tasting session with Murray McDavid. You will also get a taste of Martine Nouget's session on pairing whisky and chocolate and another tasting session with Karen McWillaims of GlenAllichie, who even lets us in on a little secret! Finally Rosalind sits down with George McNeil Chairman of the Spirit of Speyside to find out how he's getting on in his new role, how his career and passions have led him to where he is and what lies ahead for the festival.

On this week's episode Rosalind visits the majestic Inverlochy Castle in Fort William.  She sits down to chat with celebrity chef Michel Roux Jnr. whose namesake restaurant recently launched Seasgair - a new dining concept. This unique dining experience at the castle sees visitors transported back to the essence of when the castle when it was a private home. Rosalind also speaks to head chef Coalin Finn who tells her about how important it is to him that his staff are content at work, he says "Happiness is key. Happy food, happy guests, happy chefs. He recalls how his unique childhood palette and appetite for the exotic, has shaped his career.

On this episode of Scran Rosalind continues her tour of the Highlands and meets with Philip Thompson, who runs Dornoch Castle with his family. Philip told Rosalind about how, along with his brother Simon, they have turned their passion for whisky into a new business with the opening of Dornoch Distillery.  From its crowdfunding inception to their drive for sustainability, Phil shares the evolution of the business alongside the running of the hotel. Rosalind also meets head chef Grant McNicol. He tells her all about his colourful career to date including becoming head chef at the tender age of 19. He also talks about how food prices are a huge challenge for kitchens and how game may be the answer to some of those problems. He provides us with great insight into the unique challenges of running a hospitality business in the Highlands.

On this episode of Scran Rosalind heads north to The Torridon boutique resort in Wester Ross to meet owner and manager Dan Rose-Bristow and head Chef Paul Green. On her visit she was given a tour of the kitchen garden which supplies much of the produce used in the resort and acts as a focal point for staff and visitors alike. Rosalind chats with Dan about how he and his wife Rohaise took over her family business more than 20 years ago, building on the institution and creating a modern, boutique hotel and restaurant which aims to be a place like no other. Rosalind also talks to Head Chef Paul Green. They discuss how he came into cheffing, the importance of a work life balance for his team and how he believes the industry has changed for the better in recent years.