Scotland on TV Weekly News

Friday 4th April 2008

In this week's email: Scottish Chef Tom Kitchin in New York, Scottish Recipe: Potato Scones, A View From: Sangobeg Bay, The Dragon Awakes: stv news in China, Ayr's Gaiety Theatre, China Calling: stv news in China, Deeside Mineral Water, Design Detectives at the Mackintosh Church.

This is Scotland Week - when many things Scottish hit New York. If you're in reach of the Big Apple and want a bit of the tartan action, then you can find out more here. On the other hand, if you, like us, are far away then get a taste of it by watching the video of Scottish chef, Tom Kitchin. Tom's in New York to demonstrate Scottish cooking and the wealth of Scottish produce.And we should also say welcome to the first Scotland on TV newsletter in Scottish summertime. The clocks went forward last weekend, so it is, we're told, officially summertime, despite snow showers being forecast for much of Scotland this weekend. But whatever the weather, no matter where you are in the world, we trust you'll enjoy this week's selection of new videos.

Happy viewing!

Scottish Cuisine in New York City

Award-winning Edinburgh chef Tom Kitchin has been invited to New York for Scotland Week, to give the city a real taste of Scotland. With various television appearances and cookery demonstrations planned, including one for an audience in Bloomingdales department store, Tom is welcoming the opportunity to promote Scotland's culinary achievements, as well as the country as a top destination. He said, "Many people have this misconception of Scottish food, like fried food... We want people to understand we've got the best shellfish in the world, the best meat in the world and some of the best restaurants in Britain now."

Scottish Recipe: Potato Scones

Another tasty recipe from Anne Mulhern of Glasgow's Willow Tearooms this week. A full Scottish Breakfast just wouldn't be complete without 'tattie scones'. They couldn't be simpler to make and require just three ingredients and one pan. As ever, the written recipe can be found here and the how-to video here. And if you'd like to know more about the Rennie Mackintosh Willow Tearooms, just click here.

A view from: Sangobeg Bay, Sutherland

There are many beautiful sights to take in as you head west along the twisting roads of Scotland's rugged north and Sangobeg Bay, situated just east of the village of Durness, is one of Sutherland's scenic gems. Used to bearing up against northerly winds and the swell of the Pentland Firth, the silver sands were glistening on this peaceful afternoon. Sunshine and sea aside, the geology of this region is of interest too, as some of the oldest rocks in the world are on show, dating back three thousand million years. At the start of this view on the sands, the much-studied Moine Thrust Fault is visible - a vertical band of red granite and quartz strata sloping north into the sea. When the weather is this good and you have a beach to yourself, why be anywhere else in the world?

The Dragon Awakes: A Chinese take on Scottish tradition (Report 3)

At Shanghai Silport Golf Club there is no shortage of wealthy members. An emerging middle class with more money to spend is good news for business. Angus Council has forged a partnership between there and Carnoustie Championship Golf Links. At Shanghai Silport they take the relationship seriously even sporting a specially designed Chinese Scottish tartan created by a Forfar firm. The partnership between these golf courses is the culmination of ten years work by Angus Council.
And at Glencadam Distillery in Brechin, like the rest of the Scottish whisky industry, they are experiencing something of a boom fuelled by growing demand from overseas particularly China and India. The big players in the whisky industry have long had a presence in China but now smaller firms like Glencadam owners Angus Dundee Distillers are looking east too. They have launched Parkers a blended whisky which they hope will rival other better known brands.

Ayr's Gaiety Theatre

Ayr's Gaiety Theatre has been a centre of all things cultural in Ayrshire for 106 years, with acoustics and an atmosphere loved by performers and audiences alike. But its future now hangs in the balance as the local Council is faced with a £4 million bill to upgrade the building. The Gaiety - the only theatre of its kind left in mainland Britain - has a listed Rococo interior, deemed no longer fit for purpose, so its doors will close at the end of this month whilst a survey is carried out to assess its future as an arts venue. stv spoke to Deputy Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Margaret Toner, for more details and gathered reaction from theatre critics and performers alike on what they feel may be yet another major blow for Scottish theatre heritage.

China Calling: Scottish students strengthen links (Report 4)

Scottish students have arrived in China as part of a government initiative to forge closer links with the country. Students from universities in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen will spend three weeks immersing themselves in the China experience in the hope they will be better equipped to work in a global economy.

Deeside Mineral Water

Whatever it is, there's certainly something in the water in Deeside. Since a local woman in 1760 is said to have been cured of a skin disease by drinking and bathing in water from the Pannanich Wells, people have flocked to the area to reap the health benefits. Now scientific evidence has emerged to back up these claims. Researchers at a University in Slovenia have discovered that Deeside Mineral Water may dramatically reduce the rate at which cancer cells develop. stv visited the water bottling plant near Ballater in Royal Deeside to find out more.

Design Detectives at the Mackintosh Church

The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Church at Queens Cross in Maryhill, Glasgow has recently undergone a £1 million restoration project. The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, which is based within the church, is now running its first ever schools' programme within the church. Primary and secondary schools are being invited to the new visitor centre for practical art workshops, talks and tours. For further information on the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Church, visit our page or the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society's website.