Celebrity chef praises Perthshire’s produce

A Michelin-star celebrity chef has said Perth has some of the world’s best produce.

Paul Rankin took part in the Perthshire on a Plate exhibition at this year’s Perth Show and sang the praises of the city’s food.

The chef is well known for appearances on the Great British Menu and Ready Steady Cook.

Having visited The Fair City on numerous occasions, Paul said the local produce can also boost tourism.

He said: “I absolutely love this area – it’s a lovely part of the world.

“I always look forward to using the produce here as Scotland and Perthshire has some of the best meats in the world.

“I always joke with my Scottish friends that the Irish produce is better. I tell them the amazing fish that you catch is actually just our fish on their holidays.

“But coming here is wonderful because sometimes when you work in big restaurants you don’t always fully know exactly where your produce has come from. However, here you know the full story.”

He added: “Perth’s local food is important for the community and the chefs working in it.

“It’s also very important for driving tourism in the area, as people go on holiday now for food.

“I have come to Perth before and had steak from Argentina and other meats from Greece – but I don’t want that. I want food from the place I am.

“It makes people want to come back and spend more money.”

Meanwhile, local students at Perth College took to the stage in the food tents to help out the celebrity chefs.

For one student, the opportunity to share the hob with some of the UK’s top chefs has resulted in future work.

Ian Gibb, sector manager for food studies and hospitality at the college, said: “This is the first time students have had this type of opportunity.

“It’s a fantastic experience for them to work with a professional chef like Paul Rankin. Not everything has been perfect for them, which is great as usually everything is prepared for them in the classroom.

“One student has actually been offered work with one of the chefs at the show.”

Picture: Graeme Hart Paul Rankin.