Scottish Show - Taste of Scotland

TASTE OF SCOTLAND
Scottish Show
at HISTORIC PRESTONFIELD
– Now in its 41st Year!
Souvenir Programme
THE MOST FAMOUS SCOTTISH SHOW IN THE WORLD!
A HISTORY of
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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 41 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
THE WEE GOLF BALL
Cailean/Cammy & Paul
WILD MOUNTAINSIDE
Eddie & Brigid
THE WEE HIGHLANDERS
The Highland Fling
KENNY McGINTY
Flying Scotsman
RAISE THE FLAG
This Land will Never Die
HAGGIS CEREMONY
Robert Burns’ Address to the Haggis
INTERMISSION
Haggis will be served during the Interval
JACOBITE IMPRESSIONS
Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Rebellion
SWORD DANCE
Featuring our Champion Highland Dancer
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
Creamy clapshot soup or
Rustic farmhouse pâté, onion marmalade
Silverside of Scottish beef, braised with French Claret,
skirlie potatoes and kale or
Scottish salmon, hake and Finnan Haddie,
creamy Mornay sauce in a puff pastry case
Lemon meringue mousse
Tea or coffee and clotted cream fudge
HAGGIS
“Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin’-race!”
A taste of traditional haggis, neeps and tatties served at the interval
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
£5
All Prestonfield’s Malts are served in measures of 35ml.
THE FAMOUS TASTE OF SCOTLAND COMPANY 2014
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
An honours graduate in Music with Theatre Studies, Cailean has travelled the world
performing as a soloist and as part of a number of show teams. Career highlights
include solo performances in the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Gala performances, 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 rejoins our cast for the fifth year as your host.
BRIGID MHAIRI
Singer
Born in Edinburgh and raised in the Scottish Borders, Brigid has a passion for live
performance in genres ranging from folk and blues to R&B, with reggae, soul and
funk in between! Brigid is a regular at the capital’s music scene, singing the blues
with the likes of Gregg Wright at The Voodoo Rooms and returns to her roots singing
folk at Prestonfield. She is also no stranger to the recording studio, having already
recorded her debut album, for an indie film score, and as a session singer.
SCOTLAND’S THREE TENORS
Eddie McDowell, Cameron Goodall and Paul Allison-Thompson
Alongside our host, Cailean, our tenors bring a wealth of talent. Paul
returns for his ninth season at Prestonfield, skilled in both opera and
traditional song. Paul trained at London’s Royal Academy of Music and
has a raft of credits including the lead in John Paul Jones, roles in Assassins
and appearances with Elton John, Ant & Dec and in Britain’s Got Talent.
Cammy is a long-standing Prestonfield favourite: an exceptionallyaccomplished musician with the widest of repertoires, a host, a jester and
with a military background too. Eddie joins us for his first season with
our Three Tenors. Having started his career as songwriter and frontman
in rock band, cuttlefish, he’s matured into one of Scotland’s mostrespected performers. Recent roles have included leading roles in
Oklahoma, Rent, Guys and Dolls and Brigadoon as well as premiering his
own jukebox musical, Sweet-Talking Guy, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
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 41st 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 or CAMERON GOODALL ,Three Scottish Tenors CAILEAN MCLEAN or CAMERON
GOODALL, EDDIE MCDOWELL, PAUL ALLISON-THOMPSON, FemaleVocalist BRIGID MHAIRI, Keyboard ROBERT
BLACK or DUNCAN BLACK, Accordionist KENNY MCGINTY, Fiddler CHRISTINE BLACK, JULIA LEGGE, Prestonfield
Pipers ANDREW WARREN, JOHN RAE DAVIE BROWN, Percussion DAVE SWANSON, Prestonfield Dancers KERRY
MILLAR, JENNA FREEL, MICHELLE MCCORMACK, HAYLEY JO PENDREICH, MICHELLE NICHOLS, CARA
GILLILAND, LAUREN SHERIDAN, ASHLEIGH INNES, COLIN MARSHALL or REECE INCHES, Sound & Lighting JON
ADAM, Whisky Presenter RAYNARD FOX and introducing THE WEE HIGHLANDERS.
CREDITS 2014
Executive Producer JAMES THOMSON OBE, Producer/Musical Director ROBERT BLACK, Choreographer KERRY
MILLAR, Costume Designer BARRIE MCCANN, Lighting Design JON ADAM, Sound Technician JON ADAM,
Company Manager ALAN MCGUIGGAN, Stage ROBERT GALLOWAY and team, Stage Joiner SCOTT ROGERS,
Sound and Lighting Operator JON ADAM, Box Office SCOTT WALKER and TEAM, Chefs FRASER CURRIE,
JOHN MCMAHON and their teams, PR MARK ROWLEY, Special Thanks ALI ROBERTSON, Print BARR
PRINTERS, Stables Managers MARTIN BURNS/ CAMERON ROSS and team
www.facebook.com/TasteOfScotlandatPrestonfield
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
P
R E S T O N F I E L
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PRESTONFIELD HOUSE EDINBURGH
RHUBARB
THE WITCHERY
®
by the Castle
THE TOWER
3 courses for £35 Menu lunch or dinner available at each of
James Thomson’s Restaurants (Subject to availability)
Book online at edinburghsbestrestaurants.com and scottishshow.co.uk