The Hebridean Baker Returns to Burns Country!
Sarah Frame
Coinneach Macleod, The Hebridean Baker, is an international best-selling cookbook author, TV personality and internet sensation. All over the world, people love not just Coinneach’s wonderful Scottish recipes but the folklore surrounding them, stories of his life on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, and the beautiful pictures of our stunning Scottish scenery and the mouthwatering dishes he produces.
The Book Nook Stewarton has been privileged to welcome Coinneach to two events this year, one in January, and again in November with the publication of his fourth cookbook, The Scottish Cookbook.
Coinneach was delighted to give me, as owner of The Book Nook, an exclusive interview for Ayrshire Magazine readers. The two of us have something in common in that we both started our businesses at roughly the same time in 2020. However, I can’t claim the meteoric rise to fame that he has achieved!
I begin by asking when his success really took off.
“I was inspired by the recipes and stories my Aunt Bellag taught me, and I began sharing videos of those bakes and island folklore on social media. They inspired millions of views from across the world, particularly after the columnist in Elle Magazine in the US called me ‘The sexy Scottish baker’. Since then, I have released four bestselling cookbooks, featured regularly on television and radio and had seven sell-out North American book tours.”
I know for sure that Coinneach has visited Ayrshire at least twice, but does he have any links to Ayrshire?
“I certainly loved our trips to Stewarton – it was great to discover that Gaelic classes are flourishing there – and spending some time with Gaelic learners on our first visit. My partner, Peter, and I have also been to Arran and hope to go back there again. In some ways, we feel a real bond with Ayrshire, as there is such strong international interest in Robert Burns, especially when we go on US tours. We are proud to be ambassadors for Scottish heritage and culture and Robert Burns is an important part of that. Burns is a real icon to me, and I try to honour his memory with delicious traditional food with my twist. I love Burns Night and share many recipes for Burns Nights in my books.”
On his last visit here, I took pity on him having come straight from filming at the BBC to The Book Nook. I gave him a bowl of my homemade stew and it was only afterwards, I went around in a panic thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, I’ve cooked for The Hebridean Baker!’ I do know he likes traditional fare, but does he have a favourite dish?
“I love so many dishes which use our wonderful Scottish produce from land, sea and distillery, but if you press me for a favourite, I would have to say clootie dumpling. I always feature ‘duff’ as we call it in Gaelic, in my cookbooks. My Aunt Bellag’s is absolutely the best, but I have surprised people with my banana duff, which is an unexpected but delicious twist on it.”
Having just returned from a US tour to over 30 cities, I’m curious to know if there was a particular highlight.
“I am still totally amazed that I was invited by the President of the United States to The White House! That was a unique experience and it’s incredible to think my journey with Hebridean food and culture has taken me there.”
So, what’s next for Coinneach?
“I am very excited to be filming a new show for the BBC that will air next year.”
I am sure Ayrshire Magazine readers will be keen to tune in for that! And hopefully we can see him in person if I can entice him back to Stewarton for another visit!
“Definitely,” he says, “You can’t keep us away from Burns country!”
