Mary Berry heads to Scotland for ‘Highland Christmas’ special

The BBC has announced details of a festive special for Dame Mary Berry!

Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas will see the former Bake Off judge visit her mother’s homeland of Scotland.

“Christmas in Scotland is the biggest treat,” Berry said.

“My mother and her family were Scottish so it is a special place for me. The festive holidays are all about sharing special times with friends and family and so what better way than cooking some of my favourite dishes with a traditional Scottish twist.”

“Joined by special guests and surrounded by beautiful scenery, these are recipes which can be used all over the festive season and I can’t wait to share Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas with BBC One viewers,” she added.

The one-off Christmas show will see Mary Berry travel to the Highlands on an enchanting winter break.

We’re told that audiences will have the opportunity to recreate some of Mary’s favourite Christmas dishes, as well as those steeped in Scottish tradition, including a spectacular Cranachan wreath, indulgent cheese fondue and her classic Buche de Noel.

“But this isn’t just any Christmas,” teases the official synopsis, “this one is extra special and deeply meaningful for Mary because she’s spending it in her mother’s homeland, Scotland.

“Sprinkled amidst the abundance of rich cultural delights will be Mary reflecting on her heritage with fascinating anecdotes about her Scottish roots. She’s not going alone, accompanying her on this magical adventure will be special guests who’ll make this one a Christmas to remember.

“From her cosy winter retreat, Mary will be cooking up sumptuous seasonal dishes that won’t break the bank and in true winter style she’ll also be embarking on magical days out with friends from reindeer herding to Christmas carolers and a traditional ceilidh.

“As well as all the festive fun, the show will be packed full of Mary’s hints and hacks for the busy Christmas period for how to wow guests with a minimum of fuss, making a feast go further and her ingeniously simple kitchen tricks.”

“This Christmas, I’m delighted that Mary’s celebrating Scotland in epic fashion, with the help of some incredible recipes and some very special friends,” commented Catherine Catton, the BBC’s Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events.

“I can’t wait for audiences to discover all the indulgent, comforting dishes Mary’s got planned to take us through the Christmas holidays – from fondue with an extra-special twist to mouth-watering cranachan, Mary’s sure to inspire cooks across the nation once again.”

When’s it on?

Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas will premiere in the UK at 9pm on Wednesday 13 December on BBC One, and streaming on BBC iPlayer.

We expect that the one-hour special will also arrive on BritBox in the US around the same time.

Mary Berry’s Christmas Collection book is available on Amazon.