Taste of Scotland Programme

TASTE OF SCOTLAND

Scottish Show at HISTORIC PRESTONFIELD

– Now in it’s 39th Year!

Souvenir Programme

THE MOST FAMOUS SCOTTISH SHOW IN THE WORLD!

A HISTORY of PrestonfielD The mansion of Prestonfield was built in 1687 for Sir James Dick, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, after an earlier property had been burnt down by students rioting against his friend the Duke of York (later King James II). Designed by architect-royal Sir William Bruce, who had just completed remodelling nearby Holyrood Palace for King Charles II, the new Prestonfield was a spectacular statement of his family’s considerable wealth and power. Throughout Sir James’s lifetime and that of the Dick-Cunyngham dynasty that followed, Prestonfield developed its reputation for exceptional hospitality.

Lavishly filled with baroque plasterwork, panelling, tapestries, paintings and furniture, many of these splendid original contents commissioned for the house remain to be enjoyed by guests today, including an imposing portrait of King Charles II which gazes down over diners in the restaurant.

During the 18th century, the leading figures of the Scottish enlightenment were frequent guests. Dr Samuel Johnson visited, as did his biographer James Boswell, who picked apricots in the grounds with his friend Sir Alexander Dick. Dick was later to receive a medal from the Royal Society of Edinburgh for successfully introducing rhubarb from China, an achievement commemorated today in the name of Prestonfield’s spectacular restaurant – Rhubarb. In 1759 Benjamin Franklin stayed at Prestonfield, thanking his hosts with a poem “Joys of Prestonfield adieu, Cheerful meals, balmy rest, beds that never bugs molest."

An iconic hotel for over half a century, Prestonfield was inherited by Sir Robert Keith Dick whose initials and crest still crown the entrance of the stables. Returning from years of service with the East India Company, he immediately set upon an ambitious programme of enhancement. Grand reception rooms (now our restaurant, Rhubarb) were added to the house, as was the entrance porte cochére, whilst Dutch formal gardens were swept away to be replaced with a romantic landscape of sweeping parkland. Ever a keen horseman, he commissioned the leading architect of his day, James Gillespie Graham, to build the unique circular stable building which today is one of the grandest events venues in Scotland and which has been home to the World Famous Taste of Scotland for the past 38 years.

Now celebrating half a century as an iconic hotel, Prestonfield has been patronised by Presidents and Princes as well as stars of every age. Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher dined under the watchful eyes of the Dick-Cunyngham portraits, whilst guests including Grace Kelly, Sean Connery, Elton John, Jessye Norman,Catherine Zeta-Jones and Oliver Reed have all enjoyed Prestonfield’s charms.

James Thomson, Prestonfield’s owner, has overseen a lavish restoration that sees the hotel revitalised and restored. Prestonfield is one of the world’s most sumptuous and unique places to stay – just as you would expect from the owner and creator of Edinburgh’s famous Witchery by the Castle and rooftop Tower Restaurants. Named as one of the Best 101 Hotels in the World by style-bible Tatler. Prestonfield is described

by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine as so extravagant it’s like walking onto the set of some flamboyant costume drama. Formerly Hotel of the Year, Prestonfield holds the rare distinction of holding both the AA’s ultimate accolade of 5 red stars along with 5 gold ones from VisitScotland. Welcome to Scotland, welcome to Prestonfield!

Welcome to Prestonfield – Scotland’s most indulgent retreat.

A TASTE OF SCOTLAND – THE SHOW OVERTURE

Singers & Dancers of the Prestonfield Company

OPENING MEDLEY

The full Company welcomes you to Prestonfield

BOX & FIDDLE

Joined by the Prestonfield Dancers

TWO HIGHLAND LADS

Cailean & Paul

GAY GORDONS

Audience Participation

WILD MOUNTAIN THYME

Stephen & Brigid

THE WEE HIGHLANDERS

The Highland Fling

KENNY McGINTY

Flying Scotsman

THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE Celebrating 60 years since Her Majesty’s Accession to the throne in 1952 HAGGIS CEREMONY

“Address to the Haggis” by Robert Burns

INTERMISSION Haggis will be served during the Interval JACOBITE IMPRESSIONS

Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Rebellion

SWORD DANCE

Featuring our Champion Highland Dancer

DUALLING ACCORDIONS

Kenny & Robert

CEILIDH DANCING

The Virginia Reel

GLENCOE

One of Scotland’s legendary and horrific massacres

INSTRUMENTALIST’S

Bagpipes, Accordion,Violin, Guitar, Bodhran, Drums & Keyboard

HOEDOWN

Prestonfield Dancers

Presenting THE THREE SCOTTISH TENORS

Singing the songs of Scotland

SCOTLAND THE BRAVE

Land of my heart forever

FINALE

Haste ye back

AULD LANG SYNE

Brings the evening to a close Cast may be subject to change without prior notice

THE FAMOUS TASTE OF SCOTLAND – MENU Orkney Clapshot Soup A creamy carrot, turnip and potato soup or Gamekeeper’s Pâté Rustic venison terrine with red cabbage chutney

Scotch Beef Auld Alliance Silverside of Scottish beef braised with French claret jus, skirlie potatoes and heather-honey-roast vegetables or Scottish Seafood Scottish salmon, hake and Finnan haddie, creamy Mornay sauce encased in puff pastry

Prestonfield’s Jubilee Cranachan Raspberry mousse, toasted oatmeal, butterscotch and Parlie biscuit

Great Chieftain O the Puddin Race A taste of traditional haggis, ‘neeps and tatties

Tea or Coffee and clotted cream fudge

HAGGIS “Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin’-race!”

Originally a humble peasant dish, the haggis with its traditional accompaniments of bashed ’neeps (turnip or swede) and tatties (potatoes) has become something of a Scottish icon. Haggis has many fans; for Burns it was “that king o’ food”, celebrity cook and food historian Clarissa Dickson Wright has dedicated a whole book to the subject and Queen Victoria, an enthusiast for all things Scottish noted that “I find I like it very well”.

Tonight we will invite you to celebrate the haggis with Burns’ famed Address to the Haggis. During the interval, haggis ’neeps and tatties will be served giving you the perfect opportunity to sample another great Scottish tradition – a dram of malt whisky from Prestonfield’s famous collection!

THE FAMOUS TASTE OF SCOTLAND – MALT WHISKY “The king o’ drinks, as I conceive it, Talisker, Islay or Glenlivit”.

Robert Louis Stevenson ‘The Scotsman’s Return from Abroad’ 1880 “Love makes the world go round? Not at all. Whisky makes it go round twice as fast”.

Sir Compton Mackenzie,Whisky Galore “Come, let me know what it is that makes a Scotch man happy!

Ordering for himself a glass of whisky” Samuel Johnson 1773 Scotland’s whisky tradition goes back hundreds of years with every Malt reflecting the different regions and spectacular landscapes that produced it.

In Prestonfield’s selection you have the perfect opportunity to taste the unique character of some of Scotland’s best Malts. Enjoy your Malt before dinner, after dinner – or accompanying the traditional haggis, but above all try and discover the charms of usige beath, the water of life.

Balvenie Doublewood 12 Year Old, Highland Balvenie Doublewood’s character comes from maturation in two woods, first an oak whisky cask, then a Spanish oak sherry cask. Each lends different qualities; the traditional casks soften and add character, whilst the sherry wood brings depth and fullness of flavour.

Smooth and mellow with nutty sweetness, spiciness, honey and vanilla. £6 The Glenlivet 12 year old, Speyside Glenlivet was the first Highland distillery to be licensed to make Scottish whisky.

Since 1824 Glenlivet has been distilled and matured with loving care, never leaving its old oak casks until it is at least twelve years old. Glenlivet, with its light, subtle bouquet and a mellow, rounded flavour is a single malt whisky of great elegance. £6 Oban 14 year old, West Highland From one of the oldest whisky stills in Scotland, set on cliffs overlooking the sea in Oban, this fourteen year old combines the sophistication of the Highlands with a touch of the peaty style of the Island Malts. Rich and full-bodied with a mellow fruity finish. £6 Talisker 10 year old, Isle of Skye Located on Skye’s rugged western shores and the only distillery on the island, you’ll taste the peat and the sea that make island malts so distinctive. Pungent peat and sea-salt, smoky sweetness and a huge peppery finish. £7 Bowmore 12 Year Old, Islay Islay, “Queen of the Hebrides” is the most southern of the Inner Hebrides with a warm, gentle climate perfect for whisky making, and drinking! Bowmore is from Islay’s oldest distillery, a peaty Island malt it is rich amber in colour and hints at lemon, honey and rich peaty-smokiness. £6.50 Glenkinchie 10 Year Old, Lowland Set in rolling countryside just 15 miles from Edinburgh, Glenkinchie is often referred to as a lady’s whisky or the Edinburgh malt. Soft and mellow, it is often enjoyed as an aperitif. Soft, sweetly aromatic, with a fresh, grassy sweetness – a gentle introduction to Scottish Malt. £6 Prestonfield’s Malt of the Moment

£4.50

All Prestonfield’s Malts are served in measures of 35ml.

THE FAMOUS TASTE OF SCOTLAND COMPANY 2012 JAMES THOMSON, OBE Executive Producer As the indulgent owner of historic Prestonfield, James has invested heavily in making the Taste of Scotland not just Scotland’s longest-running and most famous Scottish show, but Scotland’s best show by far! With an international reputation for creating some of Scotland’s most magical and famous restaurants, he hopes that your evening here, in the romantic setting of Prestonfield, will encourage you to discover more of Scotland’s diverse and wonderful culture, food, landscape and history.

ROBERT BLACK Producer/Musical Director An accomplished musician in his own right, not least as six-times Scottish accordion champion, Robert brings a wealth of international theatrical experience to directing the World Famous Taste of Scotland show. His many TV and stage credits both home and abroad include La Cage au Folles, Fiddler on the Roof and Oliver, whilst he has been musical director to all of the leading lights of Scottish entertainment – from Andy Stewart to Kenneth McKellar.

CAILEAN McLEAN Host A Music and Theatre Studies graduate, Cailean has travelled the world performing, including guest spots in the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Gala events, and a televised performance with Scottish Opera. Having worked with Scottish greats including Andy Stewart and Ken Haynes, Cailean is enjoying his return to his roots in Scottish Music and returns to Prestonfield once more as your host.

BRIGID MHAIRI Singer Born in Edinburgh and raised in the Scottish Borders, Brigid has a passion for performing in genres ranging from folk and rock to R&B, with reggae, soul and funk in between! Brigid is a regular at the capital’s music scene, fronting a blues rock band as well as singing at Prestonfield. She is also no stranger to the recording studio, writing and recording both for herself, and as a session singer.

SCOTLAND’S THREE TENORS’ Stephen Arden, Cailean McLean and Paul Allison Our tenors bring a wealth of talent in both opera and haunting traditional song. Alongside our host, Cailean, Paul has a raft of TV, film and theatre credits from musicals to Shakespeare including a rare Fringe First Award.

Stephen, a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, joins us fresh from a Netherlands tour of The Tenors and performances with Scottish Opera. All are delighted to return to Prestonfield in this very special Jubilee year.

KENNY McGINTY Accordionist Kenny is an acclaimed accordionist and star of the Scottish musical scene with a mass of stage and TV appearances to his name. Often found on world tours, Kenny returns to his native Edinburgh home to entertain us in traditional rousing style for his 39th year here at Prestonfield.

KERRY MILLAR Choreographer Trained in Edinburgh at the Dance for All Theatre School, Kerry is a talented dancer who has developed into a choreographer of growing reputation - she finds the energy and time to run her own dance school as well. Kerry’s passion for dance shines through in the exciting and entertaining choreography for this evening’s Taste of Scotland Show.

COMPANY Host CAILEAN MCLEAN, Three Scottish Tenors CAILEAN MCLEAN, PAUL ALLISON, STEPHEN ARDEN, Female Vocalist BRIGID MHAIRI, Keyboard ROBERT BLACK or DUNCAN BLACK, Accordionist KENNY MCGINTY, Fiddler SHEENA JARDINE or ABIGAIL SUTTON, Prestonfield Pipers ANDREW WARREN, JOHN RAE or DAVIE BROWN, Percussion DAVE SWANSON, Prestonfield Dancers KERRY MILLAR, JENNA FREEL, CLARE BUNGAY, JUDI MILES, COURTNAY COLLINS, HAZEL GRANT, YASMIN BROWN, MICHELLE MCCORMACK, JONATHON DOUGLAS or COLIN MARSHALL, Sound & Lighting RICHARD DUNN,Whisky Presenter RAYNARD FOX and introducing THE WEE HIGHLANDERS.

CREDITS 2012 Executive Producer JAMES THOMSON, OBE, Producer/Musical Director ROBERT BLACK, Choreographer KERRY MILLAR, Costume Designer DENISE GRANT, Lighting Design/Sound Technician RICHARD DUNN, Company Manager ALAN MCGUIGGAN, Stage ROBERT GALLOWAY and team, Sound and Lighting Operator RICHARD DUNN, Box Office DIANE, LOUISE, PAIGE and team. Executive Head Chef JOHN MCMAHON, FRASER CURRIE and their team, PR MARK ROWLEY, Special Thanks ALI ROBERTSON, Print BARR PRINTERS Ltd, Stables Managers OLIVER BROWN, DAVE CONWAY and team, A N Photographic.

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The Witchery 0131 225 5613

Tower Restaurant 0131 225 3003

Rhubarb at Prestonfield 0131 225 1333

The Witchery 0131 225 5613

Tower Restaurant 0131 225 3003

Prestonfield 0131 225 7800

JAMES THOMSON’S COLLECTION

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PRESTONFIELD HOUSE EDINBURGH

RHUBARB

THE WITCHERY

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by the Castle

THE TOWER 3 courses for £33 Menu lunch or dinner available at each of James Thomson’s Restaurants (Subject to availability) Book online at edinburghsbestrestaurants.com and scottishshow.co.uk