I’ve been writing reviews for Scottish Review for years now, and my philosophy hasn’t changed: honesty matters more than popularity. My job isn’t to provide free marketing for restaurants, shows, or distilleries. It’s to tell readers what’s worth their time and money.
The review section covers everything from theatre productions to whisky releases, from new restaurants to travel experiences across Scotland. What unites all my reviews is a commitment to providing context, to understanding what something is trying to achieve before judging whether it succeeds.
Restaurant and Food Reviews
When I review a restaurant, I’m not just describing dishes. I’m assessing value, atmosphere, service, and whether the experience justifies the price. A brilliant neighborhood bistro serving honest food well deserves praise just as much as a fine dining establishment, provided each knows what it’s trying to be.
I’m particularly interested in how restaurants use Scottish ingredients, how they balance innovation with accessibility, and whether they’re creating something distinctive or just following trends. Scotland’s food scene deserves critical engagement, not cheerleading.
Entertainment and Cultural Reviews
Theatre, film, music, exhibitions. I cover them all with the same principle: does it work on its own terms? A production of Shakespeare at the Royal Lyceum and an experimental show in a basement venue require different critical frameworks, but both deserve serious attention.
I try to place Scottish cultural productions in context. How does this compare to what’s happening elsewhere? What does it say about contemporary Scotland? Is it taking risks or playing it safe?
Whisky and Drinks
Scotland’s spirits industry produces hundreds of new releases each year. I can’t review them all, so I focus on what’s interesting: unusual cask finishes, new distilleries, limited editions that tell a story. My reviews try to demystify whisky tasting without talking down to readers.
Craft beer, gin, wine. The same approach applies. What’s the maker trying to achieve? Do they succeed? Is it worth the price?
Travel and Experiences
Reviewing travel experiences across Scotland requires balancing enthusiasm with critical distance. Yes, the Scottish landscape is spectacular. But is the hotel comfortable? Is the tour guide knowledgeable? Does the experience deliver what it promises?
I write reviews because I believe informed criticism makes everything better. Restaurants improve when they receive honest feedback. Artists grow when their work is taken seriously. Readers benefit when they can trust a reviewer to tell them the truth, even when it’s not what the publicity materials promised.