Rosemary Shrager's "Rosemary Castle: Cook"

Rosemary Shrager is poised to put the Hebrides on the culinary map by showcasing her enthusiasm for the art of classic cookery. Coming from the beautiful surroundings of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (pronounced Aven-Suey) on the Isle of Harris, this six part series follows a group of students on Rosemary's cookery course, offering a flavor of her unique personality along with the glorious Hebridean fare.

Rosemary has been Head Chef at Amhuinnsuidhe Castle since 1998. The Amhuinnsuidhe (pronounced 'aven-suey') Estate covers some 50,000 acres of the stunningly beautiful Outer Hebridean Isle of Harris, Scotland. The Estate is one of Europe's last unspoiled wildernesses, a paradise of mountains and remote glens, lochs and rivers and white sand beaches, undisturbed for generations.

She is a talented and versatile chef who loves talking about food as much as she loves cooking. She is a natural extrovert and communicator whose professional career includes a period working for Pierre Koffman at the internationally famous Tante Claire restaurant in London and also a period working for Jean-Christophe Novelli. Both her preparation and presentation are outstanding. In between all this and running her cookery school, Rosemary has worked on a number of television projects including an eight part contribution to the Carlton TV series 'Nosh' broadcast in the summer of 2001.

Her cookery courses run in April, May and June when the ethereal Hebridean summer is at its height and in September and October when fishing and stalking are also available. They concentrate on the classical preparation of the outstanding local ingredients - turbot and halibut, langoustines, lobster, crab and scallops, venison and lamb - all fresh from the sea or the 50,000 acre estate. Also included are lessons in patisserie, local baking, sauces and soufflés. There is a versatile program to suit all levels of experience, and having prepared their meals participants can enjoy them in the majestic surroundings of the castle dining room, complemented by first class wines from the castle cellar.

Apart from the classes, there are opportunities to visit local Harris Tweed weavers, play golf, fly-fish on the estate or even stalk during the season. You can also explore the island's wonderful scenery and shell sand beaches. Huishinish is our nearest beach and has been rated one of Europe's top ten beaches by Harpers and Queen magazine.