WE are now at the halfway point in Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink which set out to promote the country’s natural larder.
Scotland Food & Drink and Think Local have created themes for each month.
The schedule is designed to provide a base for events and initiatives that can be organised by everyone from retailers to local community organisations. At the same time Scottish food and drink related tourism activities are being organised by VisitScotland and EventScotland.
The monthly themes have been developed, say the agencies, to focus on seasonality, industry development, provenance and reputation and are designed to help businesses, including retailers, promote Scotland’s food and drink.
July’s theme is Summer Berries and Fruits, August is Delicious Dairy and later in the year November is titled Hearty and Heartwarming.
A Scotland Food and Drink spokesperson said the agencies and organisers are encouraging everyone in Scotland who works in the food and drink industry to get on board by hosting events such as open days, tasting evenings and themed menus.
VisitScotland is running an online calendar of events and is encouraging anyone hosting an activity to add details through its website.
Upcoming events include Taste of Scotland week in Stirling in July and a Wild Food Walk in Aberdeenshire in August.
The Scotland Food and Drink spokesperson said: “We will support an event or activity with increased promotion and assistance wherever possible.
“From industry leaders holding an event for hundreds to small producers running activities in their local community, everyone’s participation is greatly valued to reinforce Scotland’s reputation as a Land of Food and Drink.”
In support of the Year of Food and Drink, the Scottish Government’s Community Food Fund is supporting EventScotland to encourage food and drink events.
Anyone who is planning a food or drink event that will attract visitors from other areas, can apply for funding through the EventScotland website.
The Community Food Fund is financed by The Scottish Government and has been created to promote local food and drink.
All projects must show a benefit to local food and drink producers.
Organisers of community events should apply to the Community Food Fund through the Think Local team. The next deadline is Thursday 3 September.
Full details are available from info@communityfoodfund.co.uk and general details on ThinkLocal are at www.thinklocalscotland.co.uk
