Posts by Peter Ranscombe
We all scream for ice cream…
TWO Scottish ice cream companies are bringng a sweet splash of sunshine to the autumn. Mackie’s is going to give one fan a lifetime’s supply of ice cream, while Spar is stocking a further nine flavours made by Equi’s. The winner of Mackie’s “Simple Pleasures” draw will be named on Monday. They will get two-litre…
Read MoreBloody Scotland names McIlvanney Prize finalists
FOUR writers have been shortlisted for The McIlvanney Prize. The winner will be announced on 18 September as part of the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival. This year’s finalists are Andrew James Greig for Whirligig, Francine Toon for Pine, Doug Johnstone for A Dark Matter, and “Ambrose Parry” – husband-and-wife team Chris Brookmyre and…
Read MoreA first look at Spar’s latest wines
Continuing his covid convenience retailer romp, Peter Ranscombe runs the rule over Spar’s latest bottles. AS WE explored earlier during lockdown, staying local to do the weekly food shop is nothing new for many of us in Scotland. In most rural areas, our choice of grocery store won’t be the “big four” supermarket chains or…
Read MoreRestaurants get 100,000 free glasses of wine to tempt customers back
As the UK Government’s “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme ends, wine importer Hallgarten is giving restaurants and bars a helping hand – and Peter Ranscombe picks some exciting bottles from its warehouse. MANY restaurant owners have hailed the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme as a massive success, bringing customers out for early week…
Read MoreLocation influences how drones affect birds
DRONES are scaring ducks, geese and other wintering waterbirds, according to new research. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Scotland studied how drones affected waterbirds feeding in coastal, freshwater and arable farm habitats. Its scientists found larger flocks were more likely to take flight than smaller flocks, and large flocks also took flight at a…
Read MoreWhat makes Aldi’s new Scottish gin so special?
As the Old Curiosity Distillery prepares to restart its tours, Peter Ranscombe hears the story behind the gin it’s created for Aldi. GOOD things come to those who wait – or so the old saying goes. For Hamish Martin, that adage was certainly true. He took over a derelict site just south of Edinburgh in…
Read MoreScotland launches ‘Gumtree for artists’
A SERVICE to help artists and craft makers share leftover materials, swap skills and share transport has been launched. The Circular Arts Network (CAN) has been organised by Glasgow’s Sculpture Placement Group (SPG). The platform allows artists to swap everything from leftover paint to plinths. Kate Robertson, co-director of SPG, said: “Artists and the arts…
Read MoreScottish Food & Drink Fortnight sees new suppliers at Lidl
GERMAN discount supermarket chain Lidl is launching its largest Scottish promotion to mark Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight, which begins on Saturday. Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Company and Podberry pea snacks are among the new producers gracing the grocer’s shelves. Familiar brands including Mackie’s, Simon Howie, Tunnock’s and Nairns also feature in the promotion. Products…
Read MoreScottish sea eagle soars over Isle of Wight
A SCOTTISH white-tailed eagle has been relocated to the Isle of Wight as part of a reintroduction project. The young bird was collected by Forestry & Land Scotland (FLS), under a licence from Scottish Natural Heritage. It is one of seven birds being reintroduced to the South of England by Forestry England and the Roy…
Read MoreScope fundraisers reach summit of Ben Nevis
A BOY with cerebral palsy has climbed Ben Nevis to raise money for disability equality charity Scope and his local hospital. Caeden Thomson, 7, from Corby in Northamptonshire, reached the summit of the UK’s highest mountain with his mum, dad, sister and brother. Caeden said: “My body hurts a lot, but I’m ok. It was…
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