Treats in place for show
The stars of Scotland’s food and drink scene are putting the final touches to their displays at The Scotsman’s showcase event
The countdown is on for the Scotland Food & Drink Show 2017, which will see exhibitors, caterers, colleges, chefs and careers advisers come together to celebrate all things edible at the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston on 14 and 15 October.
With just ten days to go until the doors open on The Scotsman’s two-day, freeto-attend event, even more exhibitors have been added to the line-up including the Original Chocolate Dream Company, Stirling Gin and Yofrog of Fife.
Yofrog will be serving up pots of its delicious frozen yoghurt with a range of toppings, while Stirling Gin is the latest in a growing list of distillers confirmed for the show.
In the careers section, visitors can speak to representatives from Edinburgh College and the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine, both of which will have stands promoting the wide range of food, drink and hospitality courses on offer in Scotland.
The careers corner adds an extra dimension to the show. Not only can visitors try and buy foodie treats but professionals and training providers will be on hand to inspire them to consider the opportunities to work in Scotland’s ambitious food and drink sector.
The Scottish Government-led campaign, Teaching Makes People, will also have a stand with information about teaching careers with a focus on science, technology, maths and engineering (STEM) subjects.
Cookery springs to mind as the obvious career in the sector but there are so many more options to consider, including roles in food science, farming and manufacturing.
“We’re hoping visitors to the Scotland Food & Drink Show 2017 will go home inspired to look into opportunities for working in the industry,” says the event’s organiser Rebecca Thompson.
“With the careers area and a kids’ corner with hands-on activities, we’re looking forward to putting on a show that is set to deliver far more than just fantastic food and drink.”
The Team Jak Foundation, which was set up by Livingston teenager Jak Trueman just days before he died from a rare and aggressive form of cancer, is in charge of the packed programme of activities which should keep younger visitors busy.
With half-term holidays in full swing, cupcake decorating and Halloween mocktail-making are just some of the activities guaranteed to keep children entertained, and perhaps even inspire them to experiment in the kitchen at home. There is also a bouncy castle.
In addition to independent producers selling fresh apple juice, hot sauces, handmade cakes and bakes, fudge and more, the RSPB will be at the show to spread the word about its conservation work, while Guide Dogs for the Blind is confirmed as an exhibitor.
Dogs are welcome at the show and with Harry’s Dog Treats from Portobello in the line-up, there will be a chance to pick up some snacks for them too. Taking centre stage will be the Scotland Food & Drink Show chefs, including Paul Wedgwood, Mark Greenaway, and Daniel Ashmore of the Pompadour by Galvin at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh.
They’ll be sharing some of their favourite recipes as well as some handy tips for home cooks in the chef ’s’ theatre, sponsored by MKM Building Supplies.
In the drinks village, a series of masterclasses, tasting sessions and interactive classes will showcase some of the most interesting elements of the drinks market – both soft and hard.
Hosted by the Liquid Academy, spaces at the masterclasses will be limited so head along early to secure your place.
With Lothian Buses as an official partner of the event, getting to Ingliston for the Scotland Food & Drink Show couldn’t be easier.
Lothian Buses will be running a free service from Edinburgh city centre to the Royal Highland Centre on 14-15 October to ensure visitors have a great day out.
Next week a full show guide will be published withthe Scotsman on Wednesday.