Victor Contini
Born in Edinburgh in 1963, Victor Contini embodies a rich third-generation Italian Scottish heritage, with roots in both Picinisco and Naples. . On his mother’s side, Olivia Crolla, Victor’s ancestors were native from Fontitune, a small hamlet in Picinisco. His grandparents, Alfonso and Maria Crolla, left Picinisco at the turn of the 20th century, drawn by entrepreneurial ambitions in Edinburgh. Victor’s paternal family, the Continis, originated from Pozzuoli, near Naples, living in extremely poor and humble conditions. His father, Carlo, came to Edinburgh after WWII. Initially, he pursued a career as a police officer and needed to learn English for a promotion. However, his plans shifted when he met his future wife and he ultimately never returned to Italy. Victor feels a strong connection to the Comino Valley and his Italian roots, proudly identifying as an Italian Scot. He expresses his Scottishness through his strong Scottish accent and, notably, through food. With his wife Carina, Victor owns three restaurants in Edinburgh. Ultimately, he was awarded the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia by the Italian Consul in Edinburgh for his and his wife’s invaluable contributions to Italian cuisine through their business.