Day: 14 April 2026

This week, Scotland’s only bookshop dedicated to food and drink will open its doors for the first time. Located on Haddington Place in Edinburgh, The Cookbook Shop brings together a passion for food, books and creativity, offering a welcoming community space that celebrates both culinary literature and the joy of sharing good food. 

Founded by Martyn and Liz Bryson, who wanted to create a vibrant space for the local community, The Cookbook Shop will host regular events and workshops designed to bring together chefs, writers, and food lovers.

Martyn Bryson, Co-founder of The Cookbook Shop, said: 

“The Cookbook Shop is a space for everyone, from professional cooks to complete beginners. We want to help people find inspiration and discover something new and exciting to make. We have a diverse, international selection of cookbooks and food writing emphasising contemporary voices and independent publishers. 

“And it’s not just books: we have a broad selection of work from independent artists, designers, and makers. Some of my favourites are our zines and fruit-shaped trinket dishes, and you’ll also find art prints, artisanal pantry items, fresh foraged foods, and cold beverages.”

The Cookbook Shop is open 11:00 to 6:30, Wednesday to Sunday.

Bookings are now open for The Schoolhouse, an accessible, luxury five-bedroom self-catering holiday home in a restored former village school, set within Straloch Estate. This marks the culmination of an ambitious two-year renovation project by owner and former pupil Lucy Holt who has transformed this long-term derelict building into a stunning rural retreat.

Nestled in a remote Perthshire glen, the 3000-acre Highland estate is a true adventure playground for adults and kids alike, with river fishing, kayaking and rowing boats on the private loch, den building in the woods, campfire picnic teas on the loch island, and guided nature walks. There’s even the option to bundle into the Land Rover to reach a private bothy high in the hills for a chef-prepared Wild Picnic. Modern amenities such as a six-seater hydrotherapy hot tub have been installed at The Schoolhouse, offering the perfect space for post-walk relaxation or evening stargazing in the peaceful surroundings of the estate.

The 19^th century listed property, formerly Straloch School had stood vacant since being mothballed in 2010. It was purchased in 2023 by the Holts from Perth and Kinross Council and   has since undergone a comprehensive refurbishment. The restoration forms part of a wider programme of tourism investment across the family-run estate. Since opening to guests in 2015, Straloch has developed a reputation for well-designed accommodation within a distinctive landscape on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.

A network of local contractors including project managers Galbraith Group, builders Meldrum Construction firm, and interior designer Tyrella Nash of Dunville Interiors joined forces to sympathetically restore the building and repurpose it for a new generation to enjoy. Two former classrooms have been converted into a spacious state-of-the-art kitchen and sitting room, with walk-in larder, and all mod cons for get-togethers of family and friends. The adjacent sitting room has a wood-burning stove and cosy velvet sofas and chairs to allow the whole group to coorie in for films and board games in the evenings. The refurbishment included a complete upgrade of sustainable services throughout the building, with energy-efficient systems such as an air source heat pump and two electric EV chargers, alongside contemporary appliances and integrated technology. 

Original features and vintage finds layered with modern technology create a calming countryside retreat. Design features include reclaimed 1930’s cast-iron radiators salvaged from Scotland Yard, and a set of original desk and chairs from the former school, together with the original playground seesaw in the garden acknowledging the property’s rich history. 

There are two bedrooms on the ground floor, one of which is wheelchair friendly and the other is en-suite. Upstairs in the former Headmistress’ house are three bedrooms and a further bathroom. Each designed with a lush palette inspired by the landscape of Perthshire and the Cairngorms, and toiletries from The Highland Soap Company.

The project also carries huge personal significance for Lucy Holt:

“It’s a building that means a great deal to our family, especially since I was a pupil at the school with my siblings. We wanted to bring it back into use in a way that respected its history, while making it work for how people want to stay today. It had been sitting empty for years, so seeing it restored and lived in again is incredibly rewarding. The support from former pupils and teachers has been heartening and we can’t wait to welcome our first visitors to experience the Schoolhouse.”

Set within the wider estate landscape, guests at The Schoolhouse have access to walking routes, loch fishing and open ground across the estate’s 3,000 acres. Located within easy reach of Pitlochry, the estate offers a balance of seclusion and accessibility, making it well suited to both short breaks and longer stays. The transformation of the former school marks the return of a previously redundant building into active use, supporting the continued development of the estate and contributing to the wider tourism offering in the region.

Prices start from £2,000 for a three-night stay during the off-season.Bookings are now live and can be made here.

The top names in food and hospitality have been singled out as winners at the Scottish Excellence Awards 2026. 

Scotland’s hospitality community came together at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa on Thursday 26th March for an evening aimed at celebrating the very best individuals, businesses and teams across the industry. 

Award-winners included big-name chefs, including Szilard Szentesi and Dean Banks, alongside newcomers Elements in Glasgow. Independent hotel, the Gordon Arms Restaurant with Rooms in the Scottish Borders, was highlighted alongside the likes of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. A special Lifetime Excellence award was handed to Jill Chalmers in recognition of her long career in hospitality and her more recent work redeveloping Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire.

Considered the sector’s most trusted awards in hospitality, the awards recognise achievement, innovation and a consistent commitment to excellence across foodservice, tourism and hospitality. This year’s winners showcased the very best in resilience, adaptability and diversity of the sector, with representation from emerging culinary talent to established chefs, restaurants, hotels and other operators.

Co-founder, Alex Buchanan, said: “Scotland’s hospitality industry continues to set the standard for excellence and the latest winners are a true reflection of that. The sheer breadth of talent on show this year is clear evidence of the resilience of the sector despite tough operating conditions across the world.

“The industry has faced no shortage of challenges in recent years, but tonight is a reminder of just how creative and adaptable people and businesse scan be. On behalf of everyone at the Scottish Excellence Awards, I want to extend our warmest congratulations to every single winner and finalist.”

This year’s winners include:

The Banqueting and Events Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by Hub International

• Craig Palmer, Entier, Aberdeen

The Employee Engagement and Retention Award, sponsored by Caterer.com

• Meallmore, Inverness

The Sustainable Business of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Buell Hospitality and Green Tourism

• The Edinburgh International Conference Centre

The Pub Excellence Award, sponsored by Inspire Catering

• The Colintraive Hotel, Kyles of Bute

The Hospitality Trainer of the Year Award, sponsored by Focus on Hospitality

• Lauren Shields, Hub International

The Pâtisserie Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by Charles Stamper and Saltire Pâtisserie

• Szilard Szentesi, Mar Hall, by Glasgow

The Wellbeing in Hospitality Award, sponsored by MGN Fire Protection & Joinery

• BaxterStorey Scotland

The Young Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by Albert Bartlett

• Sam Currie, The Leddie, Aberlady

The Employee of the Year Award, sponsored by Caterer.com

• Troy Sides, Divino Enoteca, Edinburgh

The Restaurant of the Year Award, sponsored by Lyreco Nespresso Professional

• Haar Restaurant with Rooms, St Andrews

The Group Hotel of the Year Award, co-sponsored by The Full Range and Huckleberry

• The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

The Eatery Newcomer of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Mark Murphy Dole and Sound Bite PR

• Elements, Glasgow

The Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by BaxterStorey Scotland 

• Dean Banks

The Independent Hotel of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Avendra International and Elis

• The Gordon Arms Restaurant with Rooms, Yarrow Valley, Scottish Borders

The Lifetime Excellence Award, sponsored by Thomas Franks Scotland 

• Jill Chalmers