Harvest: The best seasonal produce

Eating seasonally makes sense. Not only does it cut air miles and reduce our food’s carbon footprint but it supports local growers and we get fresh produce that’s cheaper and tastes better. Who needs green beans that have flown in from Peru or apples that have been stored for two years before they hit the supermarket shelves when Scotland produces so many tasty options at this time of year?

The North-east is known for the quality of its fish, seafood and meat. Buying direct from a local fishmonger or Torry-based wholesaler means you get the freshest of catches and most are happy to do the prep work for you, or offer serving suggestions. Haddock, cod and coley are plentiful at this time of year, but it makes sense to look for sustainably caught fish. Crabs, mussels and clams are also good in the autumn months.

Given the time of year, it can be worth asking your butcher about cheaper cuts, like beef cheeks, skirt or shin that can be slow-cooked in stews and spicier dishes like chillies, adobos and curries. Similarly, buying a whole chicken is much more economical than buying pre-packed breasts. Game is also in season, with venison making a change from beef. Try venison sausages, burgers or use it to make posh stovies. Game birds, like pheasant, partridge, wood pigeon and guinea fowl are available from specialist retailers, as is rabbit, but these are often more accessible when they come neatly pre-prepared and vacuum packed, unless you’re okay dealing with fur, feathers and shotgun pellets.

In general, the less processed the food, the cheaper it is and the better it will taste. Mushrooms, particularly wild mushrooms, are great at this time of year. If you can’t tell your chanterelles from a death cap, it may be best to use a supplier like Rosemount’s Pasta Plus or one of the local veg suppliers rather than foraging for them in the woods.

Mushrooms aside, there are plenty of things worth foraging for as autumn’s harvests peak. Brambles are worth seeking out in hedgerows and you may get lucky and find some damsons. Neighbours often have too many apples or plums to make full use of, or have too much produce from their veg plot. Scottish apples and pears tend to be at their best in September and October, either fresh or as a seasonal crumble. Plums are also in season now. There’s a bumper harvest of root veg at this point of the year, with carrots, parsnips, beetroot, shallots, onions and potatoes all ready now. Young leeks, celeriac, broccoli and kale are also in season, as are pumpkins, sweet potatoes and an exciting array of squash.

Local farmer markets and farm shops are always worth a visit, particularly at this time of year, when you can find everything from locally cured bacon to baked goods and lots of interesting specialities, like cheeses, sauces and jams. You may even find a few things worth putting by for Christmas gift hampers or just your own festive table as well as plenty of new things to try.

Cala launches new showhome at Grandhome

Cala Homes (North) has unveiled an impressive five-bedroom showhome at Mains of Grandhome. The ground floor comprises several flexible living spaces, including an open plan kitchen diner and a family room, making it ideal for today’s family.

For more information about Mains of Grandhome or to book an appointment with the sales team, please visit cala.co.uk.

Jubilee trees take root at Inchmarlo

Residents, homeowners and staff at Inchmarlo Retirement Village near Banchory have marked The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by planting two symbolic Gingko saplings in the 100-acre grounds.

The Gingko trees are among 20 which were gifted to Children 1st. The charity is currently seeking sponsors for the other trees to help boost the charity’s post-pandemic coffers.

Pictured, from left, are Inchmarlo Retirement Village Director Richard Skene, Alison Skene, Jim Wilkie, Jane Grieve and Charles Skene.

Port of Aberdeen named in ‘Best Animated Video’ review

A promotional video for the newly rebranded Port of Aberdeen has been selected among the ‘Best Animated Videos’ by global agency Design Rush.

The innovative animation was designed and produced by Aberdeen- based digital media production company, signal, who were tasked with creating a short and catchy 2D animation to promote the organisation’s new brand.

Jordan Harkins, Head of Communications, Port of Aberdeen, commented, ‘Our rebrand to the Port of Aberdeen marked a new chapter in our history and heritage. Given the significance, we needed a video with impact and signal delivered. We’ve received very positive feedback on the animation and commend signal for capturing the brief to a tee.’ For more information, visit signalfilm.tv

Where did the duck go Ingredients: Havana | Mint | Apple | Fennel | Lime

Where Did The Duck Go is a delightful riff on the simple and sublime, Daiquiri. With a blend of mint, lime, fennel & apple added to the Cuban Rum you have a delicate cocktail that you can enjoy at any time of the night.

orchidcocktails.com

Pop up shop opens in aid of MISS, the miscarriage support charity

MISS will be hosting their first ever pop up shop from 19th-25th September, at The Charities Shop 358 George Street. The shop will be open from 9-5 each day and will have a wide variety of quality second hand items for sale. MISS - Miscarriage Support is the only early pregnancy loss charity in North East Scotland. Run by a small team of staff and volunteers, the charity provides online and face to face support groups/1:1s, a phone service and support for a subsequent pregnancy as well as when trying stops. We also provide support packs, memory boxes, comfort bags and next pregnancy bags to Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. Visit linktr.ee/ Miss_Support to find out the many ways we can support you after early pregnancy loss and find out more about our fundraising events.

That Pancake Place opens in September in Banchory

Pancake lovers should head to Banchory's Scott Skinner Square where Charlotte Carter is opening her new pancake cafe. The menu features stacks of mouth-watering buttermilk pancakes with an amazing selection of sweet or savoury toppings alongside delicious barista-style coffees!

Medical negligence and workplace injuries:

Balfour+Manson are on your side

An accident at work, or medical negligence can cause a life to change in an instant, with consequences that can last a lifetime. Accidents and negligence can affect not only physical health, but have an impact on mental wellbeing, careers, relationships, lifestyle and finances.

That’s where the highly ranked expert personal injury and medical negligence team at Balfour + Manson can help.

Partner Julie Clark-Spence explained, ‘We’re recognised for our expertise and the results we achieve for our clients. While our goal is to recover the maximum compensation for clients, it’s not just about the money. We fully understand how emotionally and physically distressing the process is, we listen to our client’s story and we are with them every step of the way.

‘We consider factors like loss of future earnings or providing for future care costs. We take into account the care people need now but also the care they will require in the future, working in conjunction with our wide network of experts in this field. ‘Our expertise is incredibly varied, we help clients who have been involved in road traffic accidents, accidents offshore as well as those affected by accidents at work. We also help clients who have suffered injury as a result of delayed diagnosis of cancer, a misdiagnosis, medical injuries, dental or cosmetic surgery claims.

‘The first step is to arrange an informal, free, confidential discussion with a member of our team to find out where you stand.’

6 Albyn Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1YP Tel: 01224 498080 balfour-manson.co.uk