Scran

Christmas Special 2025 part 2 - hints, tips and food for thought

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

Bonus Episode - Fraser Cameron, Head Chef 1610 at The Globe Inn

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

Prime Minister Keir Starmer talks Scran

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

Christmas Special 2025 Part 1 - Gifts, giving and community

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

The Cheese Lady

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