James Tainsh & Son

07/09/2026

Pouring with rain but still a bright sunset.

30/08/2026

Clootie Dumpling Recipe

This is from the middle of last century so it's old measurements! You need a cloot, (a bit of old cotton sheet could do - definitely not the man of the house's old pants haha!) string and a big pot of boiling water. Set a plate in the pot. Pick any stalks off the fruit if you value your teeth!! I have used sultanas and raisins if I had no currants and it works fine but the purists will be shouting! I also don't use eggs as some recipes include, as I find it too cakey. The suet does the job fine.

1lb SR flour
Teacup fresh breadcrumbs
Teacup sugar
Teacup suet
1/2lb currants
3/4lb raisins
Teasp mixed spice
Tablesp treacle
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 pint milk
Grated apple

Mix together. "Scald" cloth in boiling water, (dunk it in and remove excess water) lay flat (no wrinkles) sieve some flour into cloth, gently loosen off excess to leave cloth coated. Add mixture, gather evenly and tie up cloth tightly with string, leave a little room for expansion before tying . Boil 3 hours. Remove from cloth. (I put it in a colander, untie, open up cloth and then turn on to a plate.) Then you need to carefully peel away the cloth without making holes in your dumpling skin. Allow to dry in a warm place to form the skin. Looking forward to seeing your photos!

29/08/2026

Mrs T unearthed the cloot! The cloot is marked in case it accidentally ends up in the workshop!! We remember a clootie was often your birthday cake. Must be made the traditional way to get the glossy skin.

28/08/2026

Blackies love a hill, even if it's just a fun sized one!

27/08/2026

The wee boss out waving to Papa on the combine!

23/08/2026

Never too old to do the bunny ears behind your faither, apparently!

19/08/2026

17/08/2026

The boys bunked in with the massed band for the salute to the Chieftan, Andrew piping just beside the bass drums and Gav not far behind on the snare drum. Don't think a Chieftan has ever had their family taking part in the salute before. A very special moment and thanks to Owen Sweeney for making this happen.

16/08/2026

The Chieftan had a fantastic day at Crieff Highland Gathering, we all did. A day we will always remember!

16/08/2026

It's Crieff Highland Gathering today, or "The Games" to locals. Here's a wee throwback to probably the early 1950s with L to R, Paddy Meeghan, Mac Cousins and Billy Tainsh looking like they're about to get stuck into a big day out! If you're going today, have a great day!