Mary, of Mary’s Milk Bar in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh, graduated from ice-cream university. Naturally, Italy tops the University league tables when it comes to making ice-cream and Mary Hillard, originally from Yorkshire, studied at the prestigious Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna. However, childhood visits to milk bars in Scarborough and Whitby – both of which are still open today – provided the inspiration for the Edinburgh store. Mary has introduced
On Wednesday 11 June at 6.30pm Man Booker Prize nominee James Robertson and one of Scotland’s best known illustrators Jill Calder will entertain audiences in Dunfermline Abbey with a stunning re-telling of the Robert the Bruce story. James Robertson, who wrote the hugely successful Testament of Gideon Mack and Jill Calder will talk about their book, Robert the Bruce: King of Scots in the historic Abbey, also the site of the King’s
They say that golf spoils a good walk. At Jupiter Artland a beautiful walk is enhanced tenfold by the artworks that now seem integral to the landscape. The surprising thing about this sculpture park, which is just outside Edinburgh, is that it was one individual who came up with the grand idea, Nicky Wilson. Not only that, but she and her husband, Robert funded it from their own income. When
Just when you thought it was impossible to improve on Tunnock’s teacakes along comes these bad boys. Space teacakes are from Zukr Boutique, who also produce an enticing range of marshmallows including the whisky and orange confection (pictured below). Harvey Nichols ex-pastry chef David and designer/photographer wife, Maggie whip up these ‘edible clouds of joy’ from their premises in the Pentland Hills. Luckily the space teacakes will be coming in
With the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn being commemorated this year, a stunning new telling of the Robert the Bruce story has been produced by Edinburgh based publishers Birlinn Books. With text by award winning author James Robertson the book has been illustrated by Scotland’s finest Jill Calder. Jill spent a year working on the illustrations for this book, producing over 174 large sheets of ink drawings and lettering
Drambuie and Filmhouse Edinburgh are offering 2 lucky Avocado Sweet readers the chance to win tickets to a screening of Tunes of Glory starring Alec Guinness. The screening is on the 30th of April. Drambuie is supporting a series of film seasons over 2014 to bring ‘A Taste of the Extraordinary’ to Edinburgh cinema audiences. Winners will be entitled to a free Drambuie cocktail at the Filmhouse Bar. Tweet ‘Tunes
Ricky de Marco is a regular at the Sundial Cafe in Limekilns, Fife. The Edinburgh art impresario is not the only fan; locals in the scenic waterfront village keep coming back for the homebaking. Mike (pictured below) and Sandra Graham opened the cafe in September 2012 after careful restoration of the 400 year-old building. Clearly a labour of love, the restoration has revealed the beautiful stonework, complementing the dark slate
If Anna Karenina and Paloma Faith need to go hat shopping then South Queensferry is where they should head. Joyce Paton opened Paton, the unexpectedly exotic store in the historic Scottish town at the end of March 2014. Fur pill box hats with beautiful plumed feathers, which were created for catwalk shows and photoshoots, are on display alongside less extravagant pieces. For weddings and events Joyce can create low key
Fife Comedy Festival kicked off last night with a sell-out performance by Rich Hall at The Adam Smith Theatre. Comedy acts such as Hardeep Singh Kohli, Omid Djalili, Fred MacAulay, Grant Stott and Jerry Sadowitz will be appearing at the Carnegie Hall, the Adam Smith Theatre and Rothes Hall until 13 April. Organised by Fife Cultural Trust.
Even Dylan might have wanted to work at this Maggie’s Farm. Although his lack of customer banter would have fared badly compared with the friendly team at the Dunfermline fashion store. Named after the Dylan song, the shop was opened by Laurissa Drysdale in December 2012. Conversational skills have helped in social media as well. In just over a year she has 8,000 followers on the Dunfermline Facebook page and,