It's finally here - the first of our Scran Christmas specials. I have been getting out and about to talk to businesses and producers about all things Christmas - how they are preparing, what it entails, recommendations, tips and tricks - the Scran Christmas specials have it all!
On part one, Rosalind visits the UK's longest running Italian deli - Edinburgh's Valvona and Crolla.
Mary and Francesca Contini, who run the business, tell me all about the fascinating history of the business, the produce their customers keep returning for as well as tips for gifts and how they will celebrate a traditional Italian Christmas themselves.
Each Christmas here at Scran we like to celebrate the work of a charity or social enterprise who are helping those in need all year round.
This year I visited The Big Issue, a social enterprise with offices in Glasgow, to hear all about how the magazine came about as well as its purpose and aims from editor Paul McNamee.
I also chat to Matthew Costelloe who is a Vendor Outreach Worker and Deborah Prow who is a Sales and Outreach Worker to hear more about the practical support they provide to people at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Later in the episode I met Brigitta, one of the vendors who works with the Big Issue on a pitch outside Marks and Spencer's on Argyle Street, who tells her how she came to work with The Big Issue and the difference it's made to her life.
You can find out more about The Big Issue and support them on their website.
We’d love to hear from you for the next season’s episodes.
If you have an opinion about anything we discuss, get in touch with your comments. Drop us a message on the Scotsman Food and Drink Facebook page, or contact me on Twitter @RosalindErskine or via email using rosalind.erskine@jpimedia.co.uk.
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