Latest news with #Tunnock
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Japanese ambassador to UK shares one word reaction to iconic Scottish delicacy
Since taking on the role in December, Hiroshi Suzuki has become a social media hit by diving into British culture The Japanese ambassador to the UK has delighted Scots with his one-word verdict on haggis. Hiroshi Suzuki is fast becoming a social media favourite thanks to his upbeat personality and charming travel updates. Suzuki tucked into the iconic Scottish dish during a trip to Edinburgh on Wednesday, May 29. And although the traditional delicacy has its critics, the Japanese ambassador described it as 'fantastic'. He shared the moment with followers on X, formerly Twitter, as he raised a glass of whisky, took a bite of haggis, and declared: 'I'm enjoying haggis… Fantastic,' before giving a cheerful thumbs-up to the camera The video has since racked up nearly 400,000 views and sparked a flurry of comments, Scottish Daily Express reports. One person admitted: 'Ambassador, I love you but I still don't have the cojones to try haggis.' Another wrote: 'Your posts always cheer me up! Enjoy the haggis, it's delicious.' Haggis is a savoury pudding traditionally made with sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet and spices. It is Scotland's national dish and typically eaten on Burns Night, where the Bard's poem Address Tae A Haggis is read. It has long divided opinion even among Scots, with some embracing its rich flavour and others put off by its ingredients. But it is a staple at Burns Night and on St Andrew's Day, as well as in chippies and restaurants across the country. Suzuki also posted a video drinking iconic Scottish drink, Irn Bru, calling it "great" Ambassador Suzuki's Scottish culinary adventure didn't stop there. In another post, he is seen smiling as he eats Tunnock's Teacakes for breakfast on Thursday, May 30, joined as always by his travel companion Paddington Bear. The plush toy has become a regular fixture in Suzuki's updates since he began his UK posting six months ago and appears in most of his videos and photos. While in Edinburgh, the ambassador also visited the historic Edinburgh Castle and met with a number of Scottish political figures, including Holyrood's Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone. He also took part in a cross-party group meeting on Japan at the Scottish Parliament. He described the talks as 'fruitful discussions on a wide range of topics' and said he was particularly pleased to visit Adam Smith House, the former home of the Scottish economist, now a research institute. 'I was delighted to visit the house of Adam Smith in Edinburgh,' he said. Suzuki is also set to meet with First Minister John Swinney during his visit to Scotland. Sharing his excitement ahead of the ambassador's arrival, Swinney posted on X last week: 'Looking forward to welcoming you @AmbJapanUK to Bute House and to our wonderful country next week.' Since taking up his post, Suzuki has thrown himself into life in the UK. He's been seen enjoying Welshcakes, giving the Welsh national anthem a go, and visiting traditional pubs for a pint. In a video posted in March, marking his first six months in the role, he summed up his impressions of the UK with a single word: 'GREAT.'
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire author leads new book events at Bothwell hub
Elissa Soave, who has recently published her second novel - set in Hamilton - has arranged for a series of authors to take part in the series of monthly events. A host of authors will be opening up and sharing their stories at a new monthly event launching a new chapter for Bothwell's community hub. Local novelist Elissa Soave has arranged a series of 'Authors in Conversation' evenings, which will see two visiting writers interviewed about their work and taking questions from audience members at the town's former library building, now transformed into a community space. Elissa will be one of the first two writers in the hotseat this Friday, May 30, alongside Gillian Shirreffs, while a further eight authors are lined up to visit the town on dates scheduled until the end of September. Uddingston resident Elissa is the author of Ginger and Me, set in her home town and featuring local landmarks including the Tunnock's factory and scenes around Birkenshaw and Viewpark seen by bus driver protagonist Wendy, and new release Graffiti Girls – featuring 40-something friends Amy, Carole, Lenore and Susan who embark on a campaign of feminist grafitti around their hometown of Hamilton. She said: 'Bothwell Futures are doing great work and want to bring more people in to the hub. I'd got in touch to see about doing something together and now we have this series of author events on the last Friday of each month, which is quite fitting as it's the former library. 'I've been in touch with quite a few authors and two per month will be interviewed about their books, motivation, and take part in a question and answer session, and we've also partnered with independent bookshop Daydreams from Milngavie who will sell books. 'Our idea is that books and reading are for everyone and we want to bring authors to the heart of the local community. We hope there will be lots of local support and that it will take off as it's a great venue; and we hope the events will also benefit the community as people might come along and then go for a meal or out for the evening in the surrounding area.' She and fellow author Gillian will be interviewed by South Lanarkshire librarian Scott Montgomery at Friday's event, for which tickets cost £10 and are available at Elissa will then turn interviewer for the following four conversation evenings – featuring Sarah Smith and Karen Campbell on June 27; Tom Brogan and Andy Bollen on July 25; Claire Wilson and Callum McSorley on August 29; and George Paterson and Peter Bennett on September 26. Author Elissa won the inaugural Primadonna Prize six years ago, earned agency representation and months later landed a publishing deal with Harper Collins. She was also a finalist for the Bloody Scotland Pitch Perfect award in the same year and has had work published in various journals and anthologies. Ginger and Me was published in 2022 and was shortlisted for the Saltire Society Scottish first book award, while Hamilton-set Graffiti Girls was published in March and her third, The Allotments, is due to be published next March 2026. She said of Graffiti Girls: 'It's about four women in their late 40s who live in Hamilton and find that life isn't as good as they thought it would be when they were at school together, and they embark on a graffiti campaign around the town to highlight issues. 'There's a lot of local interest – my first novel was set in Uddingston and there was a lot support too, as people like to see themselves represented in literature and Lanarkshire as county has lots of great authors like Julie Kennedy and Graeme Armstrong. 'Graffiti Girls is a fun book and I'm looking forward to being interviewed by Scott, answering questions and having people coming along to the book events at the Bothwell Hub.' * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Glasgow Times
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Tunnock's teacakes honoured in new song by Glasgow musician
Award-nominated musician Kenneth I MacKenzie has supported huge artists like The Waterboys during his time in a Glasgow pipe band and even wrote a song about Oor Willie. Now, the award-nominated trad music fanatic has released a song dedicated to Scotland's best-known biscuits and cakes - Tunnock's. The song, Tunnock's The Legend, was inspired by 'everyone having cupboards full of the stuff' and a chance meeting with Boyd Tunnock, the idea then "snowballed" from there. READ NEXT: Tunnock's boss shares vintage vehicle passion before Glasgow open day Speaking about the song's inspiration, Kenneth, 63, said, "I had the idea years ago and never did much with it. "I met Mr Tunnock a few years ago at a business-type lunch, and I bounced the song off him. "He thought it sounded like a great idea, and it just 'snowballed' from there. "He's quite a character, actually." The man who invented the Tunnock's Teacake Boyd Tunnock with his Tunnock Teacakes (Image: PA) Kenneth explained he was then prompted to finish the song by Tunnock's decision to sponsor Celtic Music Radio's broadcasts from Glasgow's Celtic Connections. He "tried to write a verse for every product" in the song and used it as a theme throughout. However, the Glasgow Times always asks the difficult questions, and we got Kenneth to pick his favourite. He said: "I just discovered it last night... I've just decided the Caramel Log is my favourite. "It really is something else, you know." READ MORE: RAF ban on flying with Tunnock's Teacake could be lifted 60 years on Kenneth's career has seen him play all around the world, and he's graced the Barrowland Ballroom to support The Waterboys as part of The City of Glasgow Pipe Band. Speaking about that time, Kenneth said: "What an experience that was! Oh, it was great fun." The song was produced by musical arranger and musician Will Marshall, who arranged Kenneth's last album. Will is also the musical director for the pantomime season at the Eden Court Theatre and has started writing film scores. Sir Boyd Tunnock with Martin Walker and a vintage bus (Image: Jane Barrie) Kenneth has been involved in Scottish traditional music since the age of 14, and often frequents Glasgow's trad music hub, the Park Bar. Kenneth, who stays in Scotstoun, said: "I'm in the Park quite often on Thursdays for the session. "I've got a lot of connections up north and up in the West Coast. Ardnamurchan is like a second home, and I write and sing about it a lot. "That's where the passion for traditional music comes from." He's no stranger to honouring Scottish icons with his music, having put together a tune about Oor Willie - Scotland's Oldest Wee Boy - which was produced by Stuart 'Woody' Wood from the Bay City Rollers. READ MORE: 'Legend': Michelle McManus beams as she celebrates birthday Kenneth also keeps a secret with the song, he explained: "I've brought in a well-known Scottish singer, but no one has revealed their name yet. "So, it's top secret adds to the mystique of the whole thing. "They're very well known in the Scottish folk scene and said 'I'm going to do it, but don't tell anybody it's me'." Producer, Will Marshall (left) and Kenneth Mackenzie (right) (Image: Supplied) Tunnock's director, Fergus Loudon, said: "Without exception, we all thought Kenny's song was very catchy. "We don't have any use for it at the moment, but we'll certainly keep it on file for any future marketing initiatives we are running." The song was first aired by Andy Hood on Celtic Music Radio at the start of Celtic Connections this year and has been played many times since. It's now available on Spotify here.
Glasgow Times
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Greenfield Park Care Home hosts Culture Day celebration
Greenfield Park Care Home, in Carntyne, hosted the event on Friday, May 2, which brought residents, families, and the local community together to honour the diverse cultures of those living at the care home. The day hosted a showcase of traditions from Greece, Nigeria, Ireland, Scotland, India, the Philippines, Egypt, and Thailand. Read more: Glasgow's unsung WWII heroes honoured for bravery These traditions were celebrated through dance, music, traditional attire, cultural talks, and stories. Attendees were also treated to a variety of snacks and treats from across the different countries such as Nigerian plantain chips and a Scottish delicacy - the Tunnock's teacake. The day celebrated traditions from Greece, Nigeria, Ireland, Scotland, India, the Philippines, Egypt, and Thailand(Image: Supplied) Read more: David Attenborough and Eurovision to hit big screen at Glasgow cinema Adelle Bryant, manager of Greenfield Park Care Home, said: "Our Culture Day was a beautiful reflection of the diverse and vibrant community we have here at Greenfield Park. "Seeing residents, families, and neighbours come together to share their traditions, food, and stories was truly heartwarming. "Events like these strengthen our bonds and remind us of the richness that diversity brings to our home."
BBC News
05-04-2025
- Science
- BBC News
'Exploding' Tunnock's teacakes cleared by tests to fly again
BBC The story goes that 60 years ago, Tunnock's teacakes were banned from RAF flights after a cockpit marshmallow explosion. The chocolate-covered treats were apparently all the rage, eaten by nuclear bomber crewmen on training sorties at the height of the Cold War. But in the summer of 1965, a captain and student pilot forgot they had placed unwrapped teacakes above their instrument panels. When the captain pulled an emergency depressurising switch the iconic Scottish treat erupted - leaving a sticky mess over the airmen, the instruments and cockpit canopy. Now the RAF Centre of Aerospace Medicine has now given them the all-clear to fly again, after tests in an altitude chamber found the teacakes did not explode. The experiments were covered by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) at the centre based at RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire. BFBS First the teacakes were put into an altitude chamber - normally used in the training of new fast jet pilots - and were lifted to 8,000ft, climbing at 4,000ft per minute, They were then rapidly decompressed to 25,000ft in three seconds to see if they would blow up. As air pressure in the chamber decreased, the air inside the teacakes expanded until the chocolate cracked and the mallow filling puffed out. BFBS reporter Hannah King, who witnessed the tests, said while the mallow escaped from the chocolate casing, they "did not appear to explode and cause a risk to in-flight safety". It was also discovered that when they were frozen before being placed in the chamber, their hardened shells were more resilient to cracking at altitude. Pilots have been offered some advice by Dr Oliver Bird, an instructor at the RAF Centre of Aerospace Medicine, who carried out the tests. "The best advice is that the snacks are kept frozen and in their foil wrappings until pilots are ready to consume them," he said. Fergus Loudon, sales director at Tunnock's, which is based in Uddingston, near Glasgow, said: "If we really are talking about the people who fly our supersonic jet fighter bombers, then I'm inclined to think that Tunnock's Tea Cakes wouldn't be the highest thing on their list of worries, but I'm glad to hear that they can now enjoy them, like everybody else, with official approval." An RAF spokesman said he was not aware of any "banned confectionery list", adding that the tests were not carried out in an official capacity.
