‘Laird’ James does a Pippa... and states the bleedin’ obvious
Middleton shares his pearls of rural wisdom, after sister mocked for tips
‘Walk around the loch to enjoy the beauty’ Bonfire night? Why not have have a bonfire! Countryside? Perfect place to wear tweed! Guns? Safety is top priority!
WHEN the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister Pippa published a book of advice about entertaining, her tips were widely mocked for being just a little too obvious.
Now it seems her brother James is following in those footsteps – by offering some rather self-evident hints on Highland hospitality.
The 32-year-old is working as a host for visitors at a £10,000-a-night estate in Inverness-shire.
In an interview singing the praises of the Glen Affric experience, he shares his top tips for anyone thinking of joining the hunting, shooting and fishing set.
His pearls of wisdom include: ‘A visit to the countryside is the perfect time to wear tweed.’
On country sports, he states sagely: ‘The number one priority for any activity involving guns is safety.’
The hints for Highland life echo the obvious advice his sister gave in her widely mocked book on ‘simple and creative entertaining’ – including having a bonfire on bonfire night.
Mr Middleton became an occasional host for parties at the Glen Affric estate last year, after struggling to make a success of his custom-made marshmallow business.
The estate is owned by the Matthews family – including Pippa’s husband James Matthews and his brother, Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews.
The sprawling Victorian Affric Lodge on the shores of Loch Affric – which promises to deliver the ultimate Highland experience for ten people – is part of the upmarket Oetker Masterpiece Estates group.
In an interview published on the Oetker website, Mr Middleton – pictured in tweeds and wearing a deerstalker hat – suggests guests should take a walk round Loch Affric to enjoy ‘the unparalleled beauty and tranquillity’.
He also recommends a bracing dip, saying: ‘For the adventurous, a morning swim in the loch is a must. There really is no better way to wake up.’ On what to wear in the Highlands, Mr Middleton advises tweed, saying: ‘It’s actually a very versatile material – from tweed breeks for stalking to a dapper tweed jacket for dinner.’
He warns guests that when shooting, ‘safety procedures are paramount and must be respected’, adding: ‘As far as game shooting is concerned, respect for the game is particularly important.’ To whet guests’ appetites, he explains how the resident chef will provide a ‘hearty breakfast’, as well as ‘venison prepared with the estate’s homegrown produce’ and a picnic lunch of pigeon-flavoured crisps, bramble gin and flasks of soup.
Evening activities include whisky tastings and ceilidhs, with Mr Middleton offering the opinion that ‘quality time with friends and family amid glorious surroundings is one of the biggest pleasures life can offer’.
Pippa’s book on entertaining, Celebrate: A Year Of British Festivities For Family And Friends, was widely derided for her obvious tips – including serving pumpkin soup in hollowed-out pumpkins on Hallowe’en. Her other gems included: ‘Cut up your chicken into portions consisting of the drumstick, thigh, breast and wing.’
Readers were also advised that: ‘A really late start warrants brunch, in lieu of lunch.’