Tayside produce sure to be on everyone’s lips at Brussels event

Tayside produce will be to the forefront at a major European event in Brussels today.

Brechin councillor Mairi Evans is chairwoman of the East of Scotland European Consortium (ESEC) and will co-host the body’s summer reception, welcoming high-level EU decision makers from the European Commission and the European Parliament and other guests from as far afield as Australia and Canada.

She described it as a “fantastic opportunity” to showcase some of the very best of local produce at a highprofile event.

“The region covered by ESEC offers great diversity and variety, with an enviable offering of the traditional and contemporary,” she said.

“From the fantastic offering of venison, lamb and the worldrenowned Aberdeen-Angus beef, to the soft fruit industry of the east and of course the incredible seafood thanks to our lengthy coastline, our culinary heritage is unrivalled.”

Arbroath chef Jamie Scott, winner of the BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals 2014, will give his personal insight into his culinary creations.

With 2015 marking Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, Jamie will address the importance of local ingredients.

“I’m delighted to have been invited to support ESEC as Scotland is rich with different foods – all a joy to cook with,” he said.

“Working with Angus produce first hand makes me so very aware of the importance of supporting local business, like Arbikie vodka and Arbroath smokies to name but a few.”

ESEC represents the European interests of local authorities including Perth and Kinross.