Food and drink play a vital role in Scotland’s tourism industry and thankfully Scotland is getting better and better at promoting and offering its own great produce and telling us about how we can cook it and eat it. Online channels and social media, farmers’ markets, better collaboration between industry sectors, restaurants and local cafes, destination marketing and festivals are all helping to spread the word. 
We’ve chosen some recent, current and future food and drink events and activities around the country which are helping to raise quality standards and promote locally sourced Scottish food and drink to locals and visitors alike, which we believe are worth a mention.
First up is the first ever Crail Food Festival, in Fife, taking place from the 17th to 19th June this year. Developing from an original idea and vision of local business owners Finlay Kerr of Caiplie House and Graham Anderson of the Honeypot Guesthouse & Tearoom, and promoted tirelessly and enthusiastically via social media channels by Susan McNaughton, owner of Sandcastle Cottage, Crail, (perhaps better known on Twitter as @2crail) the festival was a fantastic example of collaboration and community, and we were struck by the real pride and passion from all organisers and contributors. On the day we visited, festival-goers could learn about The Fife Diet, chat to local producers, taste fabulous Fife produce, including fresh herbs, oils, cheeses, cakes, and venison chorizo; and enjoy cookery demonstrations including bread-making and inspiring venison dishes from Nicola Fletcher of Fletcher’s of Auchtermuchty. A wonderful addition to an already great destination, Crail Food Festival deserves to be around next year and for many years to come.
A new Scottish Seafood Festival together with the Scottish Oyster Opening Championships is a welcome addition to Glasgow at the new Riverside Museum, on 6 & 7 August. The free event promises to be a seafood lover’s extravaganza on the banks of the River Clyde, with demonstrations from well-known chefs such as Jacqueline O’Donnell of The Sisters Restaurant; a whisky and beer bar and a fresh fish and seafood market. A great way to learn more about crustaceans…
Moving eastwards, the pursuit of further foodie heaven continues at this year’s Foodies Festival in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, from 12 -14 August with a variety of events including signature summer cocktails and “Cooking With Kids” master classes.
Scottish food and drink businesses can take advantage of a Social Media Workshop in Aberdeen in August to learn new ways of communicating with customers and should awards be on the agenda, a reminder that entries for “The Best Highland Eating Out Experience” as part of the Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards 2011 close on Friday 29th July.
Scotland’s celebration of food and drink continues with Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight, which kicks off on Saturday 3rd September – to be supported by a variety of food producers and retailers, farmers’ markets, visitor attractions and restaurants.
The lovely Isle of Bute hosts the fourth EatBute Festival from 9-11th September, offering yet another great opportunity to try out regional produce from Bute and the wider Argyll region. Activities this year include a craft festival and the making of a “Jam Wall” from home-made jams and chutneys!
Foodie fans should check out the Edinburgh Foody Blog – the photos alone are enough to make your mouth water – and what better way to end with the good news that MacSween of Edinburgh recently launched a black pudding that can be steamed in the microwave. Perhaps a case of “having your pudding and eating it”. Bon Appetit.
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