Dame Prue Leith, chef, author, and TV Bake Off legend shares her love of Scottish sea lochs, fishing, and the joys of simple cooking

‘The Scottish sea lochs hold a special place in my heart – especially around the Moray Firth and Spey Bay. It’s where I discovered the joy of fishing, though I wasn’t always convinced. For years, I turned down invitations, imagining fishing meant sitting under an umbrella in the rain with a bucket of worms.

Eventually, I gave in, and I’m so glad I did. My first fish was caught under the guidance of a very proper old commander, who was both patient and encouraging. I’ll never forget the moment I reeled it in. I was so excited I jumped into his arms and gave him a big kiss on the cheek—he was rather surprised! That day sparked a love of fishing.

For my 80th birthday (well, technically my 83rd, thanks to Covid), I celebrated in style by taking a group of ten friends on a fishing trip to the sea lochs of Scotland. We spent a week fishing, laughing, and sharing stories by the sea.

I love cooking fish, and my latest cookbook Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom is packed with easy, fool proof recipes. One of my favourites is a simple baked fish topped with pineapple salsa. It’s quick to prepare, tastes delicious, and looks stunning on the plate.

Fishing and cooking both bring me joy. But there’s nothing quite like standing by the water lapping up the peaceful beauty of a Scottish sea loch with your fishing rod soaking up the magic of it all.’

Prue Leith’s Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom (The Quarto Group, £25) is out now.