The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Getting to know you
Claire Pollock is a beekeeper and seventhgeneration farmer – her family has been farming at Ardross Farm, in the East Neuk of Fife, for generations
Who’s your food hero?
My mum! I am not a very adventurous eater but good, simple, healthy food is very important for us as a family. Nowadays my mum doesn’t just cook for all of our family, she also cooks endlessly for the farm shop.
Go-to ingredient?
Thai sweet chilli sauce – yum!
Your house is on fire, what one item do you save?
It would have to be my phone.
Last meal on earth?
Roast beef with all the trimmings.
Dream dinner party guests?
Michelle Obama. She is funny and so inspiring and dedicated to fighting for what she believes in, and also very beautiful. Michael McIntyre – need to bring some comedy to the table.
First thing you’d do if you won £1 million?
Probably check the ticket again, then start planning the fantastic house I would build – away from any towns with gorgeous views out to sea.
What would be your superhero power/name?
I’m the queen of sleeping and love a good nap! So if I had a super power I would like to not need sleep – just think of how much more you could do each day without wasting time sleeping! It would also be very beneficial at lambing time.
City break or weekend in the country?
A city break. I love the country, however getting away to the city occasionally is completely different. It’s great to be in a big city, seeing what is new in the foodie world.
Early bird or night owl?
Anyone who knows me would say neither – I love my sleep! Although now I have bought some sheep this is getting severely disrupted.
Save it or spend it?
Save it! I think it must be my background in accountancy coming out...
Couch potato or fitness fanatic?
I would love to say fitness fanatic but I’m possibly more of a couch potato these days... although I do go to both pilates and spin and have recently joined Anster Allsorts running club.
What keeps you awake at night?
At this time of year... it’s my grain dryer!
Home or abroad?
Abroad. I love being at home; however, you can’t beat lying by the pool in the roasting-hot sun with a cocktail in hand.
Rebel rebel or teacher’s pet?
I would say teacher’s pet but my mum might disagree.
Early or late?
Late. I always have 110 things going on so trying to get organised is always a challenge.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs. I am still working on the possibility of getting a sheep dog.
Sweet or savoury?
Sweet. It kills me, having the shop so close at night when you get the munchies, with all the sticky toffee puddings, brownies and cakes.
Happiest memory?
We had the most amazing family holiday to Cyprus when I was younger. With the shop now open seven days a week and one of the family always being here and the farm being as busy as ever, we don’t have much time as a family so it’s great to have these memories.
And most embarrassing?
With our house also being used as an office there are always embarrassing situations where I appear in my pyjamas to find a houseful of strangers having a business meeting!
Who do you admire most? My dad. He is the most hardworking, kind and generous man I know