Whisky round-up: Halloween special

Peter Ranscombe takes a light-hearted look at how Scotland’s whisky industry is preparing for Halloween and beyond. THE Scotch Malt Whisky Society is holding its first Halloween party on Thursday at its bar on Edinburgh’s Queen Street. A clairvoyant and a tarot card reader will take up residence in the first floor library, while black…

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Tobermory Book Festival sets sail on Friday

BROADCASTER Sally Magnusson tops the bill at this year’s Tobermory Book Festival, which begins on Friday on Mull. Food and travel writer Ghillie Basan – who shared recipes in February’s Scottish Field magazine – will host a dinner on the opening night. Fellow foodies Ailidh Forlan and Sally MacColl will also discuss their work over…

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REVIEW: The Cauldron – A Magical Evening

Megan Amato learns how to mix magical cocktails at The Cauldron pub chain’s Edinburgh branch. EDINBURGH is not short of magical- and witchy-themed shops and enchantments, but The Cauldron on Fredrick Street has always stood out more than the others as it appeals to the local crowd – not just the streams of tourists. The…

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Get a sneaky peek at the new look for Edinburgh’s Tigerlily…

EDINBURGH’S Tigerlily bar and restaurant reopens tonight after being redecorated. Innes Bolt, managing director of owner Montpeliers described the refit as “the biggest change in 16 years” at the George Street venue. The outlet opened in 2006 and had its last refurbishment in 2015. Designer Jim Hamilton – who created Tigerlily’s original look and was…

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Andrew Fairlie Scholarship finalists named

THE finalists for this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship have been revealed. The six finalists will compete in tests of their skills at the University of the Highlands & Islands’ (UHI’s) Perth College on 17 November. The winner will then be revealed that evening at The Gleneagles Hotel. Fairlie, who held two Michelin stars at his…

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Secret Garden Distillery bought by Admiral founder

THE founder of insurer Admiral Group has bought the Secret Garden Distillery on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Kate Armstrong was one of the founders of Admiral and was the founding managing director of price comparison website Confused.com Her daughters, Isobel and Imogen, will run the distillery and focus on brand and product development. Head distiller…

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Atlantic Salmon Trust auction is open

THE Atlantic Salmon Trust has launched its annual auction to raise money for research. More than 100 lots are up for grabs, including fishing, shooting, and stalking experiences at some of Scotland’s most exclusive locations. Works of art, clothing, and food and drink are also going under the online hammer. Wild salmon stocks have plunged…

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VIRGIN HOTELS EDINBURGH NEW ALL DAY-DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will open its latest concept, Eve on 7 October.   Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces its latest concept, Eve – an all-day dining space that will provide an array of food, beverages and entertainment. The vibrant social space will officially open…

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REVIEW: Native, Glasgow

Peter Ranscombe ‘goes native’ as he reviews an apartment-hotel in Glasgow city centre. MENTION the phrase “ocean liners” and a series of names trips off the tongue – The Titanic, The Queen Mary, The QE2. But how about The Caledonia, The Cameronia, and The United Kingdom? Glasgow’s often forgotten role as the home of the…

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Baxters hampers help small businesses

LEGENDARY Moray food producer Baxters is launching its first luxury Christmas hampers, with a focus on small Scottish brands. Products that have made their way into the hampers include Wild Hearth Bakery sourdough whisky stollen bread, a Clootie McToot clootie dumpling kit, and Kinalba cashmere socks. Kinloch Anderson has supplied tartan crackers, while the Highland…

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