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Waiting for the picturesque scenery

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Dear Lovely people

I’ve had a busy couple of weeks so my head is struggling to filter all of the news. I know many of you feel the same. I also got pleasantly distracted with a new book from Sue Lawrence, The Green Lady. If the male / female dynamic of the 16th and 17th centuries is of interest, it’s a great read. Thankfully times have changed for most of us but watching imagery from Russia, China, Saudi Arabia etc clearly many cultures are still stuck in the misogynistic past.

Having written these blogs there is a sense of observing. Sometimes I’ve been observing ourselves, at others our community. Today it feels as if I’m watching the journey as you would on a train. Those big windows presenting a glimpse of passing worlds at speed. On a train the world you see doesn’t feel personal, but this time, this is our world, lived in our lifetime. The view from the window is hard to believe, understand or separate from it.

Over 200,000 families in the UK are willing to open their homes to Ukrainian refugees. We’ve added our name to the list. 36% Ukrainian vaccination rate will be an interesting outcome as these people filter across Europe. Thinking about all the other wars and displaced people and indeed those who have tried to cross the English Channel (one visible border where lives have been lost) who has the right to choose which lives are worth saving and where home should be?

Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are ongoing. What will success look like for Putin to stop this train crash? Will he get a new table or holiday estate? What will be enough to satisfy his ego? Will China cross the line and send military reinforcements to their red friend? We all hope Ukraine can stay strong and keep up the fight.

Abramovich has flown home to Moscow. He’s just popping back for tea and a quick game of Subbuteo. Apparently there are secret pockets under the table.

One woman we’ve all been delighted to see home is Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. How must this family feel to be reunited? The £400m “debt” paid by the UK government to Iran is a price that should have been paid before we needed to sort out our new oil and gas supplier. I’ve got a wee cough. Hope it’s not the BA.2 variant. Qatar, Etihad and Emirates all paid not to sponsor this one.

Here in Scotland, the FM has confirmed that we’ll still need to wear masks in public places until April. Half of our customers have already stopped, they must have read the draft press release. Masks aren’t required in England where Covid levels are less than Scotland. Interesting? Here the new new strain is causing the increase in numbers. Covid hospital admissions are at their highest level for 13 months but not in ICU. These are largely with non vaccinated patients. Those being treated are also being subject to more drugs than any number of vaccines and boosters. It’s strange the personal choices some people make.

LFT are still being recommended in Scotland. For the vulnerable I agree but I find it hard to justify given those in our team who have been off whose symptoms are milder than a summer cold. No more Test & Protect thank goodness but isolation rules are still to apply. How long will Scotland hold out on this?

Last Friday Passenger Locator Forms and tests for all arrivals into the UK will no longer be required. This is a UK wide approach to travel which Scotland’s travel and tourism sector needs. It feels slightly out of alignment with the need to still isolate.

Nonna G, at 93, says she’s not sure if she wants a fourth vaccination. Being over 75 she’s now eligible. She said she’s beginning to feel like a pink pin cushion. Interesting observation as she’s skin and bones. She says she’s not sure if it is good for her. We reminded her that the last ones hadn’t seemed to have done any harm, as she’s stronger than ever. They’re probably killing off something, but clearly not this Pink Lady.

Keep well and keep strong

Carina

PS Has anyone seen the results from Party Gate? They seem to have disappeared. Boris looks like he’ll have more lives than Nonna G, he’s definitely had more great escapes and distracting illusions than Houdini.


CANNONBALL RESTAURANT & BAR

The Cannonball Tasting menuchanges every month showcasing the best seasonal Scottish ingredients. Enjoy pre dinner cocktails in the bar then be escorted up to to the restaurant to enjoy dinner with matching wines. A truly unique experience.

“The whole experience was amazing. Such a warm welcome upon arrival and throughout the whole evening. The 5 course Tasting Menu was outstanding in quality and presentation. The well selected optional Wine Flight just completed the dinner. Every member of staff worked so hard to ensure that everyone had a super evening. SO looking forward to returning.”
Tripadvisor Review February 2022

BOOK A TABLE


THE SCOTTISH CAFE & RESTAURANT

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant is open for breakfast, all day brunch, lunch, Afternoon Tea and coffee
and cake 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday

“After being seated at a cosy table for two, we had great difficulty choosing what to have for lunch. This is because the clever, innovative menu is packed with tempting treats to cater for all tastes. Our server Lucia scores top marks for friendly, attentive service, she could not have been more helpful. All the dishes were top quality, and my eggs royale sported a pair of the most exquisitely prepared poached eggs I’ve ever tasted. The crumble with custard was beautifully prepared with just the right amount of custard lurking under the surface so that the crumble could show itself off. Highly recommended.”
Tripadvisor Review March 2022

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CONTINI GEORGE STREET

Contini George Street is close to celebrating its 18th Birthday and we could not be more proud.
Our food is perfect for sharing. A fun, informal and very special family restaurant open 7 days for breakfast, lunch, cocktails and dinner.

“What a time to have lunch at Contini. With the sun shinning bright and an amazing lamb on my plate! The Contini building itself makes you feel you’re having your meal like the royal aristocrats of the long old days! Staff and service were exceptional as Atilla the restaurant manager attended me with great professionalmanners. The Agnello (lamb) plate was of high quality as the puree and gremolata couldn’t match any better with the vegetables! I got to meet Nico on the pass who topped my visit at Contini with an exceptional Panna Cotta dessert and let me leave with a smile on my face! The overall experience was amazing and can’t wait to be back and spoil myself once again.
Tripadvisor Review March 2022

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MOTHERING SUNDAY 27TH MARCH

We’re delighted to be open for lunch and dinnerat Cannonballon Sunday 27th March to share this special day with the mummies in your life. Choose a la carte or our spectacularsix course tasting menu is a fantastic way to treat thefavourite lady in your life.

Contini George Street will be serving their classicBest of Continiand The Scottish Cafe is as always open for Sunday Roast andbeautiful Afternoon tea.

Book ahead quoting “Mother’s Day” and we’ll prepare a special complimentary cocktail and dessert plate for your mum if you book for our set menu.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

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