Who’s in the running? Judges set to choose Scotsman Food and Drink finalists

Panel will gather in Edinburgh tomorrow to decide on who will be up for prestigious awards

The tough task of choosing the finalists for the inaugural Scotsman Food and Drink Awards from the shortlist of nominees – as chosen by you – will fall upon the shoulders of a select group of industry experts, chefs and food writers.

The judging panel, which will gather in the Capital tomorrow, will attempt to whittle down the shortlist for 12 of our specially selected categories to three finalists for each. The final category, Your Hidden Gem, will see three finalists chosen before the category is reopened to another public vote, meaning the final decision as to who will win will be in your hands.

Host of the awards, and one of Scotland’s best-known journalists and broadcasters, Stephen Jardine, will join The Scotsman’s Food and Drink section editor Sean Murphy in heading the panel.

Local chef and former Edinburgh Evening News columnist Mark Greenaway will use his vast experience in Scotland’s culinary industry to appraise the entries, while Arbikie head distiller Kirsty Black will also be on hand to offer her expert knowledge of Scotland’s burgeoning spirits scene.

Renowned food writers Sue Lawrence and Nell Nelson, who have both appeared in print and on television and radio sharing their passion for our country’s dynamic food and drink, will complete the line up of experts who will cast their eyes over the massive shortlist of nominees.

Chef Mark, who is looking forward to seeing who the public have nominated, said: “I have been a keen ambassador for Scotland’s food and drink throughout my career and it is great that The Scotsman is spotlighting the very best of Scottish food and Drink. I am delighted to be part of the judging process for the Scotsman’s inaugural awards – winning will be a great achievement for any nominee and I wish everyone the very best of luck.”

Stephen Jardine added:“the categories cover some of the most exciting areas of development and innovation so I’m really excited to discover who is pushing the boundaries and making exciting things happen in Scotland right now.”

The finalists will be announced in a special supplement in The Scotsman in two weeks’ time.

0 Food writer Sue Lawrence