The restaurant will offer locally sourced, sustainable, field-to-fork fine dining, with a vision to provide the area with a core business that will attract visitors both locally and nationally. Absinthe when I was in the Czech Republic – would never quite get my head round it. What’s the most under-rated drink? I’m in a position where I’m considering relocating my premises to England because my Scottish market is so small that it means it would be further decimated by the bottle return scheme,” says Stuart. Further plans include the complete renovation of the house and grounds to provide a creative retreat for those who wish to enjoy the beautiful Aberdeenshire country side. Where will your investment go? The restaurant and distillery.

We understand why they’re bringing in it and we’re on board with recycling but we don’t know how the scheme is going to operate properly and we don’t know how much it’s going to cost as a producer,” says Stuart. We put together a master plan which included the house, the walled garden, the distillery, it’s just taken a long time to come to fruition,” says Stuart. Festive flavour: The Christmas bramble gin is the perfect present. Photo by Chris Sumner, DC Thomson. Dealing with tough times and adapting for the future A selection of some of the nation’s artisan spirits from distillers including Esker and Shetland Reel will be available for a limited time during the popular in-store festival. A glass of red wine. Having travelled extensively I appreciate a heavy red wine which is the perfect pairing with food when at home cooking to relax. If you were a drink, what would you be and why?

P4CK

Stuart Ingram prides himself on his distinctive brand and flavour. Photo by Chris Sumner, DC Thomson. Paul McQuade, head of buying in Scotland said “At Lidl, we remain firmly committed to supporting and championing local producers, and are incredibly proud of our expansive Scottish product range. Mother’s ruin with a slice of lemon. G&T with a wedge of lime. Whatever you call it, however you enjoy it, gin has long been one of the nation’s favourites. Home to the Duke of Fife and his forebears the Bannermans, the house boasts large and light reception rooms for up to 35 dinner guests. The marquee is located within the south facing walled garden that makes a sensational party area for up to 200 guests. Events are tailored to suit and can be combined with luxurious accommodation for up to 20 people in eleven individually appointed bedrooms– furnished traditionally with a modern twist.

A dark and stormy. You have to serve your favourite superhero or celebrity a drink. Who is it and what do you serve? Guinness, Pina Colada and gin. You have to make a drink to represent Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire. What would that be? The Loch Ness water is also a symbol of the Jacobites – the end of the Jacobite Uprising was at Culloden which is at the top of Loch Ness’, explained Stuart. This fresh water has helped shape the smooth drink so many of us have come to know and love. Moving on to the distillery where all the magic happens, meet ‘Charlie’ our beloved bespoke copper pot still. Here you’ll explore distilling & bottling process and how we craft each of our premium spirits.

OHMME

From classic London dry style to fruit flavoured, the festival showcases a collection of unique spirits at great value prices for shoppers to try at home, including Esker Scottish Raspberry Gin and CeroCero Citrus Non Alcoholic Botanical Spirit. Before I decided to invest more and build the distillery I ended up taking my product to market in 2016.

That’s why I use rose petals in the gin. I want to give my consumers the best drink that I can, and that means using the best botanicals I can source.’ In addition to the Jacobite rose, Stuart uses orange, lemon, heather, pink peppercorns and more, mixed with Loch Ness water.Work is well underway to transform the house and grounds to its former glory, including a garden restaurant, guest rooms and plans as a unique luxury wedding venue.