TikTokLooking to create a baking masterpiece but don't know where to start? Our Creator Spotlight this week focuses on Scottish native and baker extraordinaire @hebrideanbaker who is serving up delicious baking inspo!
From a small village in the Outer Hebrides, Coinneach began sharing his passion for baking on TikTok in July 2020. His mouth-watering recipes have been captivating our community since then, and he's had over 2.4 million likes on his content which includes Marmalade Pastries, Highland Cow Cupcakes and Haggis Bon Bons.
If that wasn't enough, his talent has been spotted and he's due to launch his very first baking recipe book in September, which promises to show you how to rustle up old family favourites such as Cranachan Chocolate Bombs and Oaty Apricot Cookies. We're already drooling just thinking about it!
As well as documenting his latest bakes, Coinneach loves sharing his passion for everything Scottish and Hebridean. Alongside giving lessons in Scottish Gaelic and the Outer Hebrides on TikTok, he sings with his boyfriend Peter as part of a traditional folk duo called Gillean Challainn aka The Hogmanay Boys. What a busy man!
With 193.7k followers on TikTok Coinneach's success showing no signs of slowing down, and we sat down with him to find out what inspires him...
Tell us more about how TikTok changed your life
I'm from a wee village of 30 folk in the Outer Hebrides. I have been sharing my passion for the Scottish islands, our landscapes, baking and the Gaelic language on TikTok. Over 12 million video views (and counting!) later, I have managed to inspire many to bake some Scottish recipes, learn Gaelic, have a dram or two of whisky and dream of visiting our islands! After just one year of creating videos on TikTok, I have appeared on the BBC Travel Show, fronted a tourism campaign for Visit Scotland and most excitingly, the Hebridean Baker cookbook will be released on the 16th of September! None of this would have happened without TikTok.
What do you love most about TikTok?
Firstly, the positive energy - I am humbled on a daily basis by the beautiful messages of encouragement I receive. I try to reply to every comment I get. I feel if someone has reached out to you and said something lovely, it's impossible not to acknowledge it and pay it forward. Secondly, I laugh, cry, learn something new and usually want to take up a new hobby by the end of each day. I am inspired by the talent and creativity - it keeps me motivated. Upcycling furniture videos are my catnip!
Why is Tiktok right for your content?
I have three types of content I love making - recipes, Gaelic lessons and showing the landscapes of the Hebrides. TikTok allows me to capture the best of each in a short-form video format that brings these wee stories to life. And somehow it knows who will enjoy my stories and shares it with them. I spend nearly as much time choosing the music as I do editing the video, it's my favourite part!
What is your goal on TikTok?
To make someone's day. I hope that after watching one of my videos, someone says - 'ahhhh I feel calm now', 'I want to bake that', 'I want to visit the Hebrides' or 'Coinneach, Peter & their wee puppy Seoras are my favourite TikTok family!'
What else is on your Tiktok for you feed?!
My for-you feed is a wonderful mix of inspirational bakers that make me realise I have a thousand more recipes to learn, interior designers and upcyclers who make me want to rebuild my house every week, amazing musicians with harmonies that make me want to cry and the wonderful family of Scottish TikTok creators who are the best in the world!
What is your favourite Tiktok you have made and why?
On my first TikTok anniversary, I made a video of all the amazing things that have happened to me over the past year. From my first recipe - a Ginger Loaf to the reveal of the front cover of my cookbook and everything in between. It made me realise the adventure I've been on for the past year and that I have so much to look forward to
Why do you think the TikTok community love seeing your food content so much?
My recipes are all wee bakes that use a simple set of ingredients - wholesome & comforting with a Scottish twist, something you'd serve up when your aunt comes over for a visit. They should feel like a big warm hug (with extra custard!). And I hope along with the bakes, they enjoy the journeys I take them on, up a mountain, out in the canoe, along a windswept beach, always with a story and a wee treat in my backpack! And if you haven't seen one of my videos before, turn on the oven, scroll through my page and choose a recipe. They are all delicious, I promise!
New to TikTok and want to see more from Coinneach? Find out more and simply download the app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon.
