Celebrity chef James Martin comes to the Cairngorms
Celebrity chef James Martin will be calling into the strath tomorrow on his tour from the Islands to the Highlands.
Martin filmed at popular Rothiemurchus Estate by Aviemore, with the reindeer herd based at Glenmore and a popular Aviemore cafe for the show which is airing daily on ITV at the moment from 2pm to 3pm.
An estate spokesperson said: "James and the crew filmed here for two days cooking at Tullochgrue with a backdrop of the Cairngorm mountains and at Loch an Eilein on a very cold day, Rothiemurchus Farm Shop and spent an afternoon trying to film The Highlanders with (laird) Johnnie Grant.
"We have no idea what will emerge but they asked for all the names of the local hills."
Martin cooked in three locations celebrating the Cairngorms with the backdrop of Rothiemurchus - Loch an Eilein, Braeriach and the Larig Ghru pass through the mountains to Braemar.
He also took a stroll through the Rothiemurchus pure bred fold of Highland cattle in native pine woods and on the hill farm.
Philippa Grant, who owns the estate with husband Johnnie, said: "James was filmed elsewhere saying that he thought Highland Beef was the best beef in the world – we try to make sure it is!
"For centuries, Highland cattle have spent their entire lives outside in the woodland and on the hills of Rothiemurchus and couldn’t have more care or live happier lives.
"But they don’t appreciate how stunningly beautiful the scenery is!"
She added: "We were delighted that James used our pure bred Rothiemurchus Highland beef fillet for his Steak with whisky, braised onions and mustard sauce recipe."
Martin also got to try out the quad bikes, one of the many activities on offer on the estate.
James Martin's Islands To Highlands follows the chef on his foodie travels across the UK.
Each day Martin is accompanied by a top chef and he joins up with pal Nick Nairn for the Cairngorms visit which was recorded in July, last year.
And the star chef must have been impressed with his time and the produce at Rothiemurchus as he used pure bred Highland beef from the estate for his recipe in the pull out of the Easter Saturday Times magazine.
Meanwhile Rothiemurchus Farm Shop is open 11am to 3pm most days and is delivering and has won praise from locals for its change to a more farm based shop during the Covid-19 crisis.
Mrs Grant said: "With the help of wonderful volunteers, our amazing manager is keeping Rothiemurchus Farm Shop open so that locals can have deliveries and continue to enjoy our beef, venison fresh Scottish veg and cheese – and they are!"
Aviemore's popular Mountain Cafe is also featured in the episode and Martin visits some of the friendly local reindeer.
His book also features a recipe for Millionaire’s shortbread from Kirsten Gilmore, owner of the Mountain Café.
James Martin's Islands to Highlands Series Episode 18 The Cairngorms airs tomorrow from 2pm-3pm and will then be available on catch-up on the ITV Hub.
