John Stephens-Orr – the snapper to the stars

In the 1950s and 60s, having your portrait taken by dapper snapper John Stephens-Orr bestowed real social cachet. David McNeil shares his experiences of working with the Scottish society photographer. In 1963 I was a 17-year-old trainee commercial artist with an advertising agency in Glasgow. The boss called me in one day and told me…

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Gin is first with recyclable freepost gin pouches

A Scots gin has become the first gin available in fully recyclable pouches that can be returned to its distillery – for free. Rock Rose Gin, nased at the Dunnet Bay Distillery in Caithness, can be sent back by freepost via standard Royal Mail. Once at the distillery, the pouches will be collected by Terracycle…

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Whyte & Mackay launches Wildcat Bramble gin

Whyte & Mackay continues to grow its gin portfolio by announcing the launch of a new flavour, Wildcat Bramble – the darker, thornier sister to Wildcat Gin. Available at Tesco throughout the UK, as well as in selected bars, Wildcat Bramble has been created to meet consumer demand for fun, varied flavours in up-tempo, after-dark occasions.…

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Pickering’s Gin all ready to take over a new bar

A brand new bar in Edinburgh is being taken over by Pickering’s Gin this Friday. Helping to launch the new venue in style, Pickering’s Gin will be taking over the Hemingway’s bar, overlooking the Shore in Leith, this Friday, 27 September, from 9pm to 1am, with a range of signature cocktails and a Marvellous Martini…

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Boe Gin secures Scottish deal for violet gin

Stirling-based Boe Gin has announced a major milestone with a new national listing with retailer ASDA. Their award-winning Boe Violet Gin rolls out in all ASDA stores across Scotland for the first time after a phenomenal year for the brand. Boe Gin are one of Scotland’s most successful independent gin producers, having announced their financial…

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Bloody Scotland was another crime success story

The Bloody Scotland crime writing festival had an attendance of over 10,000 for the first time. McIlvanney Prize winner, Manda Scott, set the tone for the weekend when she announced that in the spirit of cooperation reflected by the climate protests she wished to abandon rivalry and share the prize with her fellow finalists –…

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Businesses boosted by a bumper food festival

The corridors and courtyards of Cults Academy were reverberating to rather different sights and sounds at the weekend, as thousands of people descended on the venue for the Deeside Local Food Festival’s fifth outing. Over 3400 people of all ages immersed themselves in an enticing array of gastronomic delights, as well as foodie talks, chef…

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Four new arrivals on the global spirits scene

Whisky, gin and rum are at the heart of Ian Macleod Distillers’ latest entries to the global travel retail market. Ian Macleod Distillers is putting a spotlight on its gin and whisky flavour expertise and craftsmanship at TFWA Cannes, with the launch of Edinburgh Gin Lemon & Jasmine full strength gin, Edinburgh Gin Raspberry full…

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New Scottish drink will be just the tonic

A new premium Scottish tonic water has entered the market with a distinct proposition unlike any other tonic brand. Cushiedoos (pronounced coo-she-doos) is uniquely made with natural artesian mountain water and a blend of Scottish heather, Scottish silver birch, yellow gentian and wormwood – no quinine, no artificial ingredients and 24% less sugar than the…

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Enjoy a cloudy lemonade with a spirited difference

Many of us enjoy a chilled cloudy lemonade to help us relax. A Scottish distiller has now put a different slant to it, as a new crossbreed juniper-led gin, macerated in Sicilian lemon peel, has joined the LoneWolf pack. Craft beer expert BrewDog has cut its teeth with the BrewDog Distilling Co,. launching a series…

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