Ten photos from Cuillin Hills Hotel, Skye

Published on Life in Luxury on 17th May 2013:

Cask finished whiskies that you must try

Published on Yahoo Lifestyle UK & Ireland on 10th May 2013:

A recent trip to the Isle of Skye revealed a whole new side of whiskies for me – the cask finished whiskies.

By law, all whiskies are aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. A select few also go on to be “finished” in special casks, which would impart additional flavours to the whisky. Majority of the casks were from sweet or fortified wines, giving the finished whisky a sweeter and fruitier note. Some, like Auchentoshan Three Wood, are even aged in three different types of casks.

I was in Skye for the unveiling of the Talisker Port Ruighe – the latest and permanent addition to the Talisker portfolio. Port Ruighe is the classic Talisker 10 finished in a port cask, a process which gave it a caramel hue, softened smoke and fruitier notes. Some might say, Talisker for the ladies.

Read more at Yahoo!

More than 50 British beaches ‘not safe’ under new EU rules

Published on CNN on 7th May 2013:

More than 50 top British beaches would be declared unsafe for swimming under the European Union’s new water safety rules.

The European Environment Agency is to introduce new, stricter guidelines on water pollution in 2015.

The Telegraph has named 55 beaches in England, including popular resorts in Cornwall, Dorset and Hampshire, that do not currently meet the new standards, which would classify beaches as “excellent,” “good,” “sufficient” or “poor.”

“For those classed as poor, beach controllers will be required to display a sign advising visitors not to swim there,” said an Environment Agency spokesperson to CNN.

Read more at CNN

European Night of Museums: After-dinner art

Published on CNN on 7th May 2013:

Achluophiliacs with a cultural bent, there’s a night of the year made specially for you.

The European Night of Museums on May 18 will see hundreds of museums across Europe offer after-hours visits.

Organized by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, the European Night of Museums is in its eighth year and coincides with the International Day of Museums.

Many museums, mostly across Europe, will be putting on performances, events and installations specially for the event and for free to the public.

Read more at CNN

Vivienne Westwood to design new Virgin Atlantic uniforms

Published on CNN on 6th May 2013:

Virgin Atlantic is trying to go punk.

The airline has announced that the latest designer to be turning her hand to their uniforms is Dame Vivienne Westwood.

The fiery British designer will be bringing her punk rock aesthetic to the signature Virgin two-piece, in a collaboration that will span the next 10 years.

The official announcement said that designer would be going for “a futuristic look, which references her enduring interest in 1940s French couture cutting techniques as well as the Savile Row tailoring heritage.”

Read more at CNN