Ghillie Basan is one of Scotland's most talented culinary champions. She's been called 'The Original Spice Girl' and a 'World Food Expert' but what comes across most when you meet this author of more than 50 books, mostly on food, is her irrepressible spirit and thirst for life.
On a snowy day I went along to Ghillie's highland home to chat with her about her childhood in East Africa, creating a home from 300 year old ruins, raising a young family in difficult conditions, building a livelihood from her remote home and the challenges she's met along the way.
They talk about her close relationship with her children both in work and play and why her latest food book, 'Food, Whisky, Life', may be her last.
She tells me the rather incredible story of how she got her first break in journalism, why she doesn't eat in restaurants very much and how a little bit of love can go a long way in cooking.
We also look to the future and the hopes and dreams she still holds.
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