Scran hits Central belt as Food and Drink fortnight reaches halfway point
In the latest episode of our podcast, Scran, Rosalind Erskine chats to more business owners
Scran is back on a socially distanced culinary journey to help celebrate local businesses and producers as part of the Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight, which runs until 20 September.
We are now half way through the campaign as Scotland’s food industry celebrates local legends with regional producers showcasing their produce through their social media, with the aim of encouraging people to source, buy and eat Scottish food and drink.
My first guest on this episode is Root to Market founder and chef, Scott Smith. The idea for Root to Market was born out of the response to the sudden closure of the hospitality sector amid the Covid-19 crisis and set up by the team behind Fhior restaurant. Root to Market provides the public with some of the country’s best produce from suppliers and producers that usually only deal with restaurants. I spoke to Scott about the how it all came about, the produce available, plans for the future and his top dinner party guests.
From Edinburgh to Fife, where
Nikki Strorar, farmer and owner of family run Ardross farm shop – one of the first farm shops in Scotland – talks about setting up the farm shop and local support during lockdown.
The venture started 15 years ago when the family decided to diversify after facing hard times. All of the shop produce is sourced from the farm and they work with hundreds of producers across the country. One of the interesting talking points is the sustainable practices of the farm under a movement called regenerative farming. This involves the introduction of bees and sowing directly into the soil.
My finalt guest is Paisley Drinks
Co. founder Brian O’shea, who set up his business when working in Asda as a buyer – a job where he became passionate about Scottish produce.
His business ethos was built around improving the quality of the soft drink scene. The business, which caters to a younger audience, was once wholesale but has now moved online during the pandemic. I spoke to Brian about why he thinks a younger audience is more engaged with craft soda and how his new flavours are based on childhood nostalgia.
To listen of this episode, search Scran wherever you get your podcasts.