…That is one of the world’s great taste experiences… they are just unbelievably tasty.
Chef, restaurateur, author & presenter
…they are incomparable.
Chef & food writer
…that’s as good as fish gets.
Archaeologist, historian, author & broadcaster
That is just beautiful. It is just perfect.
Presenter & columnist
I have never tasted Arbroath Smokie like that in my life. That is just sensational — you’re just in a different realm.
Chef, teacher, author & presenter
That fish is just fantastic. It doesn’t really get better than that.
Chef, restaurateur & presenter
I am not a fan of the term ‘food hero’… if I was forced to choose one person to bear that burden it would be Iain R. Spink, the guardian of the Arbroath Smokie…
Food writer, author & broadcaster
They were delicious…
Chef, restaurateur, author & presenter
It has a rich creaminess and moisture, and fresh like that is undoubtedly the best way to eat Smokies.
Food writer, author & columnist
…eye-opening, a revelation in taste and texture
Cook, food writer, author & presenter
That flavour was just so immense… A delight to eat your food… This man is creating a whole new culinary education.
Chef, restaurateur, author & presenter
The moist warm flesh is divine. It is one of the best fish I have ever tasted.
Food writer, author & columnist
Simply some of the most delicious fish I’ve ever had. Nice one, Iain.
Chef, restaurateur, author & presenter
Media Gallery
Iain’s reputation (or at least, the reputation of his Smokies) means he’s regularly featured in the media and makes regular appearance on television.
"Awesome!" Paul Rankine shows his approval for smokies!
"Next please!" James Martin helping out at Kirkcaldy Farmers Market.
US TV presenter Jeff Corwin filming for his Extreme Cuisine show.
Jamie Oliver learning how to bone a smokie during filming for 'Jamie's Great Britain'
Gordon Ramsay inspecting the fish waiting to be smoked at the Dundee Food & Flower Show.
'Thirsty work.' A quick cuppa during another photoshoot.
'Ready for Cooking.' Freshly prepared haddock waiting their turn to be smoked.
The hessian bags that cover the fish during smoking are removed to reveal the cooked golden smokies.
Smokies in their true home, Auchmithie, hanging up on the special sticks in preparation for smoking. 
Another batch of fresh haddock being placed over the fire to be cooked and smoked.
'Dampening the flames.' A wee splash of water helps to keep things under control.
'Almost there' - fish being turned around on the barrel to ensure a perfect even smoke all over.
'That's them ready.' A whole batch of beautiful Arbroath Smokies ready to be lifted from the fire.
'Say Cheese.' This photo was used by McEwans for their 'Local Heroes' advertising campaign.
'The Finished Article.' A stick full of perfect Arbroath Smokies.
Media Links
Online Articles
What the press say about Iain’s original Arbroath Smokies…
- Murdo MacLeod’s pictures and feature in The Guardian Visit
- Scotsman A‘te– to–Z’ feature Visit
- Simon Majumdar’s Best of British Visit
- Simon Majumdar’s Best Traditional British Food Visit
- ‘Scotland for the Senses’ Article Visit
- Feature by Nigel Slater Visit
- ‘Smoking thats good for you’ — by Mairi Mackay, The Times Visit
- John Garrity on Golf.com Visit
- Julia Watson Feature Visit
Audio Links
Listen to the following features online via the BBC Radio 4 website:
- The winners of the BBC Radio 4 Food and Farming Awards 2006 with Sheila Dillon Listen
- Feature cooking with Nigel Slater Listen
Video Links
Short video clips featuring Iain in action on the shorefront and at the 2007 Open Championship in Carnoustie :
- The Open coverage generated a truly incredible amount of worldwide publicity, with many overseas golfers still seeking Iain out whenever they are in this country. In fact, one online report of the 2011 Open began : “Here’s one problem with the Open Championship being held in England: The Arbroath Smokies man is not here. In Scotland, he usually makes it and customers are lined up at his tent all day.” Video
- Video clip showing Iain’s expertise in traditional smoking techniques. Video
- Video clip showing Iain at St Andrew's Highland Games, 2011. Video
NB. These links are to content on external websites and we cannot guarantee the articles will always be available.
The Fraser Collection Gallery
A stunning photographic record of life in Angus at the turn of the 20th Century.
This photo gallery contains just a small collection of prints, all relating to the history of Auchmithie and the 'Arbroath Smokie.'
say hello : call 01575 540330 or email 
Website design Miles A.Cruickshank