Posts by Peter Ranscombe
What does wine taste like in a cardboard bottle?
Peter Ranscombe puts a wine that comes in innovative packaging through its paces. BACK in June, Scottish wine merchant Woodwinters revealed it would be stocking an Italian wine – in a cardboard bottle. Packaging maker Frugalpac has come up with a container made from 94% recycled cardboard, with the liner inside accounting for the remaining…
Read MorePaul Wedgwood proves prosecco’s pairing prowess
Two online tastings prompt Peter Ranscombe to muse on how well Italian sparkling wine can match to food. THINK prosecco, think aperitif – whether it’s a dinner party or a gallery opening or a glass to kick-off a night out, Italy’s all-conquering bubbles are a popular choice. Yet two online gatherings in recent weeks have…
Read MoreDeeside water is moisturiser’s ‘magic ingredient’
DEESIDE mineral water has been used as the “magic ingredient” in a new luxury moisturising cream. Fuaraìn, named after the Gaelic word for “spring”, also includes heather and horsetail among its ingredients. Martin Simpson, managing director of Deeside Mineral Water, said: “Over the years, so many people have told us that the water has made…
Read MoreFour of the best wines for game
Peter Ranscombe catches up with Glasgow wine merchant Séverine Sloboda for some recommendations to go with game. SCOTLAND’S open seasons on game birds are in full swing, from ducks and geese through to grouse and partridge. Chefs have been coming up with a host of exciting recipes, from Mac & Wild’s British Game Alliance grouse…
Read MoreNico launches Home-X website
CHEF Nico Simeone has teamed up with his marketing chief, Michael Sim, to create Home-X, a website through which customers can order food and drink. Simeone’s own Six By Nico home delivery service is among the brands that have signed-up to use the site. Others include Stem wine club, chateaubriand provider Chateau-X, The Cheese Club,…
Read MoreWorks begins on Mull hotel refit
WORK has begun on a redevelopment project at the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa. More than £3 million will be invested in the scheme by owner Crerar Hotels. The 72-bed hotel aims to reopen in April. Chris Wayne Wills, chief executive at Crerar Hotels, said: “I’d like to thank the ‘Mullochs’ for all of…
Read MoreStrathallan School introduces ‘virtual reality tours’
A PERTHSHIRE school has introduced “virtual reality tours” to let prosepective pupils and their parents see inside the institution. Online visitors can view Strathallan’s boarding houses and school buildings. Guests can don virtual reality goggles or even use their phone to experience immersive tours or see what it’s like to play hockey and rugby or…
Read More‘The King’ helps out ‘The Prince’
DRINKS brand The King’s Ginger will donate 10% of its sales to The Prince’s Countryside Fund from 1 January. The ginger spirit was created in 1903 for King Edward VII. The Prince’s Countryside Fund was launched in 2010 by Prince Charles to “improve the prospects of family farm businesses and the quality of rural life”.…
Read More‘Frank – get the book!’
COMEDIAN Janey Godley is among presenter Damian Barr’s guests in the first episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, which returns to the BBC Scotland channel on Sunday. Godley, who has become an internet sensation during the pandemic thanks to her satirical voiceovers of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s daily briefings, will discuss her memoir, Handstands in…
Read MoreStudents learn from composer Errollyn Wallen
MUSICIAN Errollyn Wallen has been appointed as the visiting professor of composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) in Glasgow. Her role includes one-to-one teaching, as well as leading seminars and workshops. Born in Belize, Wallen gave up her training at the Dance Theater of Harlem in New York to study composition at the…
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