Taste of Christmas 08.11.26

Bringing together decades of culinary experience, a passion for Scotland’s exceptional produce and a love of all things delicious!

Sandy, the 1987 Scottish Commis Chef of the Year, is an award-winning chef and former outside catering business owner who spent years working in some of North East Scotland’s finest hotels. Having swapped the chef’s whites for a fork, he continues to champion great food, hospitality and unforgettable experiences. 

One of his proudest achievements is helping raise over £250,000 for charity alongside friends and fellow Two Fat Laddie, Robert Bruce and Eddie McDonald.

Eddie brings more than 35 years of experience in the food and drink industry. After building his expertise in professional kitchens, he moved into new product development, turning creative ideas into commercially successful, award-winning food products. 

Today, as Development Chef at ONE SeedPod, Scotland’s food and drink innovation hub, he supports food and drink businesses from concept to launch, combining culinary creativity with technical and commercial insight to help bring innovative, market-ready products to life.

Together, Sandy and Eddie combine a wealth of industry knowledge and a shared passion for great food. With Sandy’s big appetite and bigger heart, and Eddie’s flair for innovation, they bring plenty of experience, enthusiasm and foodie fun to everything they do!

Award-winning chef and chef-owner of Mara Wine Bar in Aberdeen, Ross Cochrane has built a career around bold, produce-led cooking and a passion for great food.

Having worked in some of the UK’s most respected kitchens, including Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s and the award-winning Rothesay Rooms in Ballater, Ross has brought his experience and creativity to Mara, helping establish it as one of Scotland’s leading independent restaurants.

His achievements include recognition from the Michelin Guide and The Good Food Guide, as well as being runner-up for Scottish Chef of the Year in 2025.

In 2026, Mara was awarded Aberdeen City’s first and only Michelin Bib Gourmand, a fantastic milestone that celebrates Ross’s commitment to serving great food.

 Executive Head Chef of Meldrum House, Ross Bott, has a career that spans some of the UK's most respected hotels and restaurants, as well as international private dining. 

Ross joins Meldrum House following roles at Monachyle Mhor in Perthshire, Château La Chaire in Jersey and The Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney, alongside previous appointments at The Grove Hotel and Hawkyns Restaurant under Atul Kochhar. 

Throughout his career, Ross has become known for his ingredient-led approach, refined cooking techniques and commitment to showcasing exceptional seasonal produce. 

  We’re excited to introduce a brand-new Cakes & Cocktails demo, bringing together Millie Milne Cakes and  for a fresh addition to this year’s programme!

Plus the Rock Choir will be bringing the energy to our demo stage with a fantastic live performance! 

Millie Milne Cakes

Hi, I’m Millie! I’m 23 and I work at Inverurie Garden Centre, alongside doing, Millie Milne Cakes.

I qualified in Patisserie and have always loved baking, especially when it comes to cakes, decorating and creating something a little bit different. Since qualifying, I’ve been making bespoke cakes and sweet treats for all sorts of occasions.

I love keeping up with new cake decorating trends and trying out different styles and techniques, but my favourite part is taking someone’s idea and turning it into something completely personal to them.

I’m so excited to be at Taste of Christmas and can’t wait to share some festive cake decorating ideas with you!

Reynolds Cocktails

At Reynolds Cocktails, we’re passionate about bringing people together through exceptional drinks, genuine hospitality and memorable experiences. We believe great cocktails are about more than what’s in the glass; they’re about the people, connections and moments we create together.

As an independent, award-winning business, we pride ourselves on our creativity, quality and a personal approach. From delivering outstanding cocktail experiences at events to producing bespoke, ready-to-serve cocktail pouches, our focus is always on making premium cocktails accessible, convenient and enjoyable. 

Led by Chris Reynolds, we’re incredibly proud to have won Young Business of the Year 2024 at the North East Food and Drink Awards and to have been recognised as a three-time finalist at the Top Tier Wedding Awards. These achievements reflect our dedication, passion and commitment to delivering something special.

At our heart, we’re a people-focused brand driven by a love of hospitality, a commitment to quality and a desire to make every occasion memorable.

 Established in 1872, ANM Group is one of the largest and most progressive producer-owned farming, food and finance businesses in Scotland and ranked in the Top 25 of UK co-operatives. 

With over 150 years at the centre of the agricultural industry in Scotland and highly diversified with interests in the land market, commercial and industrial plant and machinery and equipment and the catering and hospitality industry, we are dedicated to maximising returns for our 5,000 members, ensuring the sector is fit for the future. 

Membership is open to anyone who shares our values and principles. 

Media Partner

The P&J has been at the heart of communities in the north since 1748, delivering trusted journalism that informs, connects and represents the region. From Aberdeen to Inverness, Elgin to the Highlands and Islands, The P&J unites local voices into one that commands national attention, drives progress and amplifies the stories that matter most to families, businesses and communities across the region. From healthcare to housing, energy to farming, culture to climate – The P&J go beyond headlines to explain, to connect and to champion the future of the north. 

Laings Kitchens Bathrooms Bedrooms is a family-run business with a proud heritage of over 160 years, renowned for delivering stylish, high-quality interiors across the North East of Scotland. From bespoke kitchens to luxurious bathrooms and beautifully designed bedrooms, Laings offers complete home solutions tailored to every lifestyle. Their award-winning Inverurie showroom showcases an inspiring range of designs from leading brands, allowing customers to explore the latest trends and innovations. With a dedicated team of expert designers, project managers, and skilled installers, Laings provides a seamless service from inspiration through to installation. Built on a reputation for craftsmanship, attention to detail, and exceptional customer care, Laings remains the trusted choice for homeowners seeking timeless design, modern functionality, and a personalised approach to creating their dream home.

Dandara has been building award winning homes and creating communities across the UK for over 30 years. Earlier this year, the housebuilder celebrated achieving a five-star customer satisfaction rating from the Home Builders Federation for the sixth year running.

At Hazelwood in Aberdeen, Dandara is building a collection of new homes ranging from two bedroom homes to spacious five bedroom family properties.

Sustainability is at heart of every Dandara development and each home at Hazelwood is thoughtfully designed for the future, using the latest construction methods to help reduce environmental impact, while creating beautiful, energy-efficient homes.

Find out more at dandara.com