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Christmas traditions

With Christmas just only 6 weeks away the Christmas dinner in our house has already been discussed.

I feel that each families Christmas Day is unique and we all have our own traditions and ways of celebrating.

We have always spent Christmas Eve with a Cheese Board and The National Lampoon Christmas Vacation; produced 10 years before I was even born it has been my favourite since I can remember. It would often not be until around 11pm at night before we got to it as I would be working.

Christmas day always start with a full Scottish breakfast, of course, and tea served from my great grans tea pot - another tradition.

We always have either a Prawn Cocktail or Lentil Soup to start. Followed by the traditional turkey and all the trimmings. Pudding is always a meringue dessert of some sort; either pavlova or a roulade and an option of cheesecake. Christmas pudding in our house has never been an option, thankfully as I'm not a fan. We have always had the same dinner for as long as I can remember and I feel that its a tradition I will continue to pass on.

I always remember one of my friends telling me that her family don't open their presents until after 12, after they have had their traditional cola ice cream floats. Something I always thought was bizarre to have on Christmas Day.

My Aunt actually served up Fillet steaks and all the trimmings last year as none of her kids will eat turkey. Personally couldn't have Christmas Dinner without a turkey roast dinner.

At the end of the day, families will have their own personal traditions that are unique to them.

Out and About Friday 8th November

We currently have 49 chefs out working all over Scotland and North England. We have 10 jobs confirmed so far for the week.

If you are happy to work Christmas and New Year (double time is payable both days) please get in touch to let us know.

There are some relief jobs coming in but it is much quieter which is what we expect for the time of year.

Here are some of the chefs we have out working now:

Gian Devey is back at The Scores Hotel where he has been working for the last few weeks.

Tim Morris is working again at East Haugh in Pitlochry which is close to home for him.

Mario Pohlmann is at The Borve Hotel.

Ally Mcgeachy is working at The Stonefield Castle.

Chris Rush is also close to home and is working at Grantown East in Grantown on Spey.

Ben Mailer and Richard Clark are working in St Andrews at The Rav.

Leon Edgson is working at The Braeval Hotel in Nairn.

David Carroll is at The Craig Manor down in the Lake District.

Ryan Williamson is finishing up at The Inverary Inn.

Steve Lyall is working at the Killiecrankie Hotel in Perthshire.

Thanks to all our chefs for your hard work and continued support 😊

The history of Moffat

Fancy learning some interesting facts on Moffat?

1. Moffat is famous for having the waterfall ‘The Grey Mairs Tail’ which is the fifth highest waterfall in the Uk. With Loch Skene at the top it is a popular tourist attraction for many groups of walkers and is a lovely picnic spot if us locals fancy getting out of the town on a summers day.
2. Moffat has the worlds narrowest hotel, The Famous Star Hotel which was previously mentioned in the Guinnes Book Of Records. The hotel is only 20ft wide and 162ft long. Featuring a bar downstairs and 2 eating areas it is a nice stopping point for a bar meal. They are also dog friendly!
3. The Moffat Ram is a famous tourist attraction and represents the towns connection to the sheep trade. The sheep was unfortunately sculpted with no ears, something that William Brodie never knew about until it was unveiled. He later committed suicide after the burden of this was too much.
4. Moffat is also famous for its annual Classic Car Rally which takes place at the Moffat Showground. Showcasing vintage cars, it can have up to 900 entries over the two days. It is now into its 21^st year and is still as popular as ever.
5. Let’s not forget about the famous Devils Beef Tub which sits below the Edinburgh Road. The tub is formed by four hills; Great Hill, Peat Knowe, Annanhead Hill and Ericstane Hill. It was used to hide stolen cattle as there was only one way in and out. This can be seen from the Edinburgh Road and is a popular attraction for walkers.
6. Moffat Toffee Shop is a family run business originally ‘Mrs Blacklocks’ which opened its doors 125 years ago. Moffat Toffee is a definite must when visiting Moffat and you especially need to try their home-made toffee, which is sometimes sweet and sometimes sour. A favourite with the kids!
7. September also marks the anniversary of Battle of Britain. Air Chief Marshall Lord Dowding was one of those responsible for helping to win the battle. He was born here in Moffat and every year there is a service down at Station Park to commemorate his death and the Victory of the Battle.
8. Up until the year 2018, Moffat held an annual sheep race which was proven to be a popular day out for the family. Unfortunately, due to licensing issues it was cancelled. A similar event was held this year, only participants dressed up as sheep raced rather than sheep themselves.
9. The Moffat Mill, part of the Edinburgh Woolen mill branch, is a popular destination for bus tours and groups to stop off. With tartan, whiskey and highland dress inside its very popular to do some Christmas shopping.
10. The Town Hall, now a popular wedding and party venue, was once the towns bath halls. The water was piped down from the famous Moffat Wells which was said to contain ‘healing properties.
11. And finally, the famous Moffat Chippy. Formerly known at ‘Toosh’s chippy’ which was a family run chippy. Bettina Dawson was the owner and she was always found behind the fryers. The 90-year-old, who was the oldest fryer in the world was awarded the B.E.M medal but unfortunately passed away before getting the chance to meet the Queen at Buckingham palace in the July.

Out and about Friday 1st November

We currently have 55 chefs out working all over Scotland and North England. We have 15 jobs confirmed so far for the week.

Can all chefs doing relief work make sure they have emailed over their hygiene certificates you can send them to jojo@chefsinscotland.co.uk

Can I also ask that you let me know if you are happy to work Christmas and New Year (double time is payable both days)

Relief work coming in, in November will be quieter as expected for the time of year.

Here are some of the chefs we have out working at the moment

Barry Owen finishes his stint at Culcreuch Castle today and then is off to Airds Hotel

Kevin Berry is at The Lerwick Hotel in Shetland

Dougie Gillies is at The Ben Loyal Hotel finishing off the season

Julius Mwanbula is at the Waterside Inn in Peterhead

Philippe Alamichel is at Perth Race Course

James Pratt is finishing at the Isles Inn mid November then off to the Fishmarket at Soul in Aberdeen

Ionel Rizea is still at the Black Bull in Gartmore

Sebastian Luszczynski and Kaspars Lapins are both at The Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness

James McPherson is at Isle Ornsay Hotel in Skye

Sarah Galloway finished yesterday at Toravaig Hotel in Skye

Ross Hunter is finishing at The Bridge of Cally Hotel

Thanks to all our chefs for your hard work and support 😊