Firms in running for food and drink awards
FORTY- ONE food and drink businesses from across the Highlands, Islands and Cairngorms National Park area celebrating being shortlisted for the region’s most prestigious food and drink awards, to be held in Inverness’s Kingsmills Hotel on October 21.
Finalists for the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards range from new business such as Ballindalloch distillery to established companies, such as Orkney-based Stockan’s Oatcakes which has been operating for more than 100 years.
Successful eateries and restaurants like the new Café Sia on Skye and Lossiemouth’s popular Harbour Lights restaurant were included alongside food and drink retailers.
Businesses are being recognised for their success in categories like best marketing initiative (sponsored by Bidvest Foodservice Scotland) and the business growth award (sponsored by Johnston Carmichael).
Young talent in the industry is recognised with four finalists in the Young Shining Star category: Andrew Fraser from Wester Ross Fisheries Ltd, Caitlin Grainger from Corner on the Square, Gillian Ross from MacGochans and Kirstin McGrath from the Clubhouse Hotel.
Judges include representatives from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Scotland Food and Drink, caterers, chefs and current ambassadors of the year, Jill and Callum Clark of Connage Highland Dairy.
The awards, now in their 12th year, are delivered with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Elaine Jamieson, head of food and drink at HIE, said: ‘ Our food and drink sector is characterised by high- quality produce and service, and a strong sense of pride in people and place.
‘It is great to see a strong field of entries in the Highland and Islands Food and Drink Awards and we look forward to an evening of showcasing, celebrating and meeting fronds old and new on October 21.’
Fred MacAulay will be hosting the evening for the third time running.
Further information and tickets are available at www. hifoodandrinkawards.com.