Monthly Archives: June 2021

Father’s Day is the perfect annual reminder to celebrate our dads and grandfathers. We’ve spoke to one of Chapelton’s fathers, Marcus Bean, who has told us all about his life as a dad, and why he loves raising his family in Chapelton.

How long have you lived in Chapelton with your family? 

We have lived in Chapelton for almost five years now. The first couple of years was just my partner Kirsty and I, but now we are a family of four with Oliver who is three years old and Sadie who is one.

How are you spending Father’s Day this year?

For Father’s Day this year, Kirsty has arranged afternoon tea with the four of us and her parents will be joining us. We’re all looking forward to it!

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received as a dad?

I’ve only had three years of Father’s Day gifts so far, but Kirsty always makes really thoughtful cards with hand and foot prints. The best gift was a picture on my first Father’s Day of me holding Oliver when he was just a few days old.

Tell us a bit about fatherhood? 

I always knew I wanted kids. I always imagined what it would feel like but nothing prepares you for the moment you hold your own child for the first time. Parenting is so rewarding but stressful, challenging, trying, tiring but the you wouldn’t change it for the world. I am one of four siblings and I definitely have a new-found respect for my parents. 

What are your favourite things about growing a family in Chapelton? 

This pandemic has seen me working from home for 15 months but in many ways has been a blessing in disguise. I have had so much extra family time that I wouldn’t have otherwise had. Oliver is such a fun age and to see Sadie grow up from a new born and be able to have lunch with them every day and take Oliver to nursery has been great. Chapelton is such a safe and friendly place to raise a family. There are so many other young families at the same point in life which is great.

To all the fathers and grandfathers out there, we hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day 2021!

It’s set to be a sunny summer and what better way to celebrate the end of lockdown with a showstopping BBQ?

To get you back into the hosting spirit, we’ve compiled some of the need-to-know barbecue tips and been in touch with Darren Robertson from the Place to Eat for the perfect summer BBQ recipe to impress your friends and family.

We’ve got our fingers crossed for a few months of lovely warm weather, so it’s time to roll out the barbecue, dust off those deck chairs and get sizzling!

Here are top tips for an unforgettable summer BBQ:

1. Set up your space

When you’re having a barbecue things can get messy, and fast! Make sure your visitors know where to get cutlery, plates and napkins. Having a buffet style set-up can make this process easier, and it also gives your visitors an excellent place to choose their own toppings.

• Know your guests

Has one of your friends become vegetarian or vegan over lockdown? Make sure you know all of your guests’ dietary requirements so that you can cater to everyone. If you’re stuck for veggie inspiration, why don’t you check out these delicious veggie BBQ recipes.

• Comfortable eating is a must!

We’ve all experienced having to awkwardly stand and try to eat at the same time, and it can be a challenge. Make sure you have an area for your guests to sit, eat and socialise – preferably at a table. Your evening will be more relaxed and enjoyable.

• Garden games

Keep the kids happy by having some classic games on hand, such as a football or a Frisbee. This will keep the kids out of your hair while you’re grilling, and can be fun for a post meal activity.

• Enjoy yourself

While hosting may seem like an effort after large periods at home, it can be a great way to re-connect with the people in your life. When you’re finished with the barbecue, make sure to put your feet up and crack open a nice cool drink.

Need some barbecue recipe inspiration?

Fear not! We’ve spoke to Darren Robertson from the Place to Eat to give you exclusive access to his family’s coveted Munro’s Burgeretto:

Ingredients

• 9” flour tortilla wraps
• 4oz handmade steak burger (or your own choice)
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Fresh sliced red onion
• Shredded lettuce
• Sliced tomato
• Tomato salsa (simply made with fresh tomatoes & basil leaves)

Start by cooking the fresh steak burgers on a hot BBQ – this will take around 4-5 minutes on each side. While they’re cooking, chop up the tomatoes, lettuce and red onion.

Divide the salad, salsa and grated cheddar onto the tortilla wraps. Remove the cooked burgers, slice up and add to the wraps.

Gently fold the tortilla wraps together and enjoy.

Established in 2014, the Place to Eat are a small family food business in the heart of Aberdeenshire. Place to Eat brings quality and value hot and cold snacks ranging from tasty breakfast rolls, to fully cooked Scottish breakfasts! You can also try their yummy steak burgers, chilli beef, stovies, macaroni and much more!

The Place to Eat uses local ingredients and suppliers, and are an active part of the community, supporting local schools and fundraisers.

If you are passing Portlethen Pop, make sure to stop in for a tasty treat!