To start off the New Year i was invited  to bake Live again  on Scotlands brand New Television Channel - STV Glasgow . This is a great new show for this area with all the up to date information on all kinds of topics. Each night they have a guest Chef/Baker on to cook up a storm for the lovely two presenters- Jennifer and David. They are both just lovely genuine people and very professional. I triuly love this show . Each night they also feature talented young bands playing live in their compact and bijou studio. Last night i showcased  my very own  No Cook . No Bake Cranachan cake for the viewers and this went down a storm . Sadly most people were driving home and the 3/4 bottle of "Glayva" that went into the sponge was not a great start to our brand new Dont drink and drive laws here in Scotland. Needless to say they all took home goody bags . Look forward to working with you again STV Glasgow.

Watch this space on how you could get involved in the massive Loch Lomond Shores Food and Drink Festival in September 2015. We will be looking for experts to provide Masterclassess on Sugarcraft, Chocolate and all types of Baking and Patisserie . You will also be able to bring along on the day your best cakes,breads,biscuits,chocolates,Novelty cakes and just about any type of baking you can think of to be judged by our panel of experts, Should your cakes win - you will go away with your very own "Scottish Baking Award" If you love baking and dont know how or would like a little help in some new skills then this is the venus for you . A Traditional High tea with Award winning Homebaking will be available over this 2 x day event just to round it off.  A Fantastic local Award winning scottish band will be keeping the thousands entertained on the stunning loch shores . Why would you miss it ? Keep watching this space for all the details .........

This week marks the beginning of my Epic treck across Scotland to find the Best Afternoon Tea in Scotland's Hotels . I start with the big guns - The 5 Star Hotels of Distinction. From Ackergill House in Wick North of Scotland to The Scotsman in Edinburgh to Cringlettie House in the Borders and the West - One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow. I will be reviewing over 30 of the finest Hotels in Scotland for Afternoon Tea and will post Live reviews as and when i have them. The Hotels in most cases will not have advance notification until i arrive , no money will change hands in turn for a great review, no membership is required , no media involvement (until after the review of course ! ) I believe we need to get back to earning honest great reviews from Professional people that know what they are talking about. Too many Awards are given for just about anything these days from people and organisations you have never heard of that have no experience or  prior knowledge of the industry you are in . This is insulting in my opinion. I am no blogger , Newswpaper Food critic or fame hungry entrepenuer . I am a Professional Chef and Master Baker who has founded a very successful "  Scottish Baking Awards "  My views are my own but are also Expert. Looking forward to seeing you all !

Next year is the Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festivals 10th Year and is also Scotlands year for Food and Drink. To celebrate in style i will be appearing with a chosen list of winners from our last 5 years Scottish Baking Awards to provide Masterclasses for the 25,000 expected crowd. Not only is this one of the most scenic and beautiful locations in Scotland ( If not the world) it is also one of the biggest and best Festivals in Scotland. This runs over the weekend 5th and 6th september 2015. More details to follow soon.