Food from Argyll goes down a treat at Westminster
TWELVE food and drink companies from Argyll and the islands were given the chance to show off their products to some of London’s most important food and drink buyers.
The Food from Argyll event was organised by MP Brendan O’Hara and co-hosted by Eleanor, Duchess of Argyll and was held at Westminster Hall.
Taking part were Loch Fyne Oysters, The Scottish Salmon Company, Bute Brewery, Mull of Kintyre Cheese, the Puffer from Easdale, Argyll Hill Lamb, Fyne Ales, Lochawe Smokehouse, The Slate Island Seaweed Company, Ritchie’s of Bute, Gigha Halibut and Lussa Gin from Jura. The businesses had the opportunity to meet several high-end buyers, chefs and restaurant representatives from London.
Mr O’Hara said: ‘I honestly believe Argyll and Bute produces some of the finest food and drink in the world and I wanted to showcase this in Westminster.
‘It would be absolutely wonderful if, as a result of this event, our producers returned to Argyll and Bute with some orders on their books or some new business leads.
‘I am very grateful to my co-host, Eleanor, Duchess of Argyll and Food from Argyll, who have given fantastic support for this event and to everyone who attended and made this such a success.’
The Duchess of Argyll added: ‘We knew that an offering of some of the best food from Argyll would be a draw, but the response to one of Scotland’s most famous food destinations was amazing.’
Claire Fletcher from Lussa Gin, who travelled from Jura to Westminster, was equally delighted. She said: ‘We’ve had a great afternoon here at Westminster and have made some really useful contacts as well as setting foot inside one of the most iconic buildings in the UK. And people must have enjoyed their Lussa gin as we ran out of tonic.’
Jennifer Nicol, from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: ‘This event has provided a great opportunity to demonstrate a sample of the quality produce available from the Argyll region, and the fantastic experience and enthusiasm of the producers involved.’
Virginia Sumison, co-ordinator at Food from Argyll, added: ‘We are delighted by the turnout at the House of Commons and it has been very useful in making new contacts and meeting up with old friends and new.’