Nicki Holmyard

Technology's role in Scottish berry production

17 Sep 2010

The soft fruit industry in Scotland has long benefited from the appliance of science. Nicki Holmyard looks at the technology keeping Scottish berries in juicy good health.

The importance of pastry in Scotland's pies

Stuart's of Buckhaven, Simple Simon, Acanthus and more

17 Sep 2010

Nicki Holmyard looks at the different types of pastry used by the makers of Scotland’s famous savoury pies.

Trans Am - What Day Is It Tonight?

4 Dec 2009

(Thrill Jockey) Trans Am – even outside the studio, they’re so taut you could use them to cut cheese. This 1993-2008 live collection never skips a beat as it veers between synth presets and chugging guitar riffs, with excessive drum solos thrown in…

Sparrow And The Workshop - Into The World

4 Dec 2009

(Distiller) If only these guys were around in the 70s, their soulful country vocals and acoustic guitars married to noisy drums and bass could have landed them on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack – they’re that good. Thankfully, they’re here for us to…

School of Seven Bells - Alpinisms Deluxe Edition

4 Dec 2009

(Vagrant) A re-release of their ‘08 album with nine bonus tracks, this only confirms what we know – SVIIB make some gorgeous tunes. The ethereal twin vocals and broody, angelic electronic beats create clean, crisp otherworldly sounds perfectly…

VA – Fabriclive 49: - Buraka Son Sistema

4 Dec 2009

(Fabric) This is impressive: out of the 28 tracks on offer here, only six last longer than three minutes – something worth praising in an inherently repetitive genre. Buraka Son Sistema oversee the melding of various dance styles with lively African…

Humphrey Errington: the man who created Lanark Blue and saved Scottish cheese

1 May 2009

Nearly 15 years ago Humphrey Errington’s tiny but highly regarded cheesemaking operation was threatened by closure under a harshly enforced health regulation. Nicki Holmyard recalls his landmark battle.

Land o' Cakes: the bannocks, black buns and butteries that satisfy Scotland's sweet tooth

1 May 2009

Robert Burns described Scotland as a ‘Land o’ Cakes’. Nicki Holmyard discovers whether there’s still a heritage of regional speciality cakes beyond the high-street bakery chains.

The scallop hunter: Hector Stewart talks about what happens in the murky depths of Scotland’s scallop beds.

1 May 2009

‘Fresh, locally dived scallops,’ reads the menu at many a restaurant, portraying a romantic picture of sparkling blue seas and a lone diver working at one with nature. But is this the reality? ‘Partly,’ says Hector Stewart, a professional scallop…

A Fyne Tradition: the smoked kipper

A look at what might be the last days for Scotland's smoky fish treat

1 May 2009

Loch Fyne was once synonymous with herring and kippers. However, the herring have all but disappeared and so have the kipper houses. Nicki Holmyard finds out about the last of a famous line.