Unique single malts revealed in time for Christmas

Single malt whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled a duo of special bottlings from its Connoisseurs Choice range for Christmas gifting. The Connoisseurs Choice 1999 from Old Pulteney Distillery is joined by a Connoisseurs Choice 2004 from Glenlivet in a celebration of the Speyside and Highland regions. The Connoisseurs Choice range, which marked its…

Read More

Highland distillery launches seed-to-spirit gin

The first gin from Scotland’s newest grain-to-glass distillery is being released this month. Sutors, based at Balinroich near Tain, is one of a small band of distilleries in the UK which makes its own spirit, using ingredients grown on its own doorstep. Founded by IT specialist Stuart Wells and agronomist Ed Scaman, the distillery takes…

Read More

Scotland’s chocolate features in new guidebook

When asked about Britain’s chocolate output, you would be forgiven if you immediately thought of chocolate bars wrapped in iconic purple packaging, the compulsory Christmas selection boxes, or the legendary chocolate orange. However, Andrew Baker’s ‘A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Britain’ reveals that the British chocolate industry is so much more than these much-loved, mass…

Read More

You can’t go wrong with the definitive guide to Elgin

Jenny Main has written the definitive, fully-illustrated A-Z guide of Elgin’s history, people and places. Elgin has a wealth of history which is explored in Jenny Main’s A-Z Guide of the town. The last of the Pictish kings – Macbeth – ruled this area, with his rival, Duncan, dying of his battle wounds in the…

Read More

10 health fads which have come to Scotland

Scotland has seen its fair share of fads aimed at fixing all that ails us. While some have stuck around, we can be glad that others have failed to last the distance. Here’s 10 treatments that would either kill or cure… or do nothing at all! 1. Hydrotherapy Water therapy came to Scotland in 1843…

Read More

Tomintoul releases new expression in gift pack

Tomintoul Distillery has released a stunning new expression in a unique, beautifully designed presentation box. The packaging showcases the Cairngorms National Park, within which Tomintoul Distillery is located. It makes the perfect gift for all whisky fans. Currently, the new Tomintoul 18 Year Old Single Malt is only available exclusively in this gift pack, which…

Read More

Tourism leader appointed at new whisky attraction

One of the UK’s most respected culture, leisure and tourism business leaders has been appointed to run the new global flagship visitor attraction for Johnnie Walker. Barbara Smith will join Diageo as general manager of the Johnnie Walker Princes Street visitor experience in Edinburgh and will also be responsible for running the company’s network of…

Read More

Johnnie Walker previews new Blue Label packaging

Johnnie Walker today (Friday) celebrates the remarkable rarity of Scotland with a preview of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Rare Side of Scotland. This is a limited edition bottle and pack designed by Timorous Beasties, the award-winning Glasgow-based textile design studio. A celebration of its Scottish roots, Johnnie Walker has partnered with one of the country’s…

Read More

Beautiful sea views that it will be difficult to beat

A family home for all seasons with stunning sea views has hit the property market. The McLean family must have one of the best views in Scotland. Torridon, their lovingly-restored five-bedroomed villa, enjoys an uninterrupted panorama over Oban Bay to the Isle of Mull, with 13th century Duart Castle in sight. Mary explained: ‘It couldn’t…

Read More

Swedish scientists laser scan Pictish stones in Scotland

A team of Swedish scientists has been visiting Scotland this week to carry out a pioneering new laser scanning technique on carved stones from Orkney and Shetland. Developed to analyse runestones in Sweden, this is first time the technique has been carried out in Scotland. The pilot project, led by National Museums Scotland and the…

Read More