On the way to Edinburgh Airport on Monday I passed Ingliston Showground and could see tents being dismantled and trucks convoying towards the motorway.
It was the aftermath of another successful Royal Highland Show.
Almost 180,000 people passed through the gates this year, 8,000 more than the year before. I’m sure four days of excellent weather played a part in the exceptional visitor numbers but it is showcasing the outstanding traits of Scottish rural life that is the massive draw for people from across Scotland, the UK and beyond.
The two days I attended were very productive. Amongst other engagements I met with Quality Meat Scotland and NFUS to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead for Scotland’s farming sector, I took part in a vibrant referendum debate and met visitors at the Scotland Office stand, which gave people an opportunity to find out more about why we believe Scotland should remain in the UK. On top of this was a visit to food hall.
It’s the great diversity and high quality of food and drink that you can see, smell and taste that makes the food hall so popular. Well established producers like Mackies, Nairn’s and Walkers Shortbread are instantly recognisable. These are the pioneers who have helped open the doors for others in Scotland to follow. For me it’s also great to see up and coming Scottish companies stand alongside these established brands and who are looking make their own mark.
I met companies I’ve visited on the road like Angelic Gluten Free and Belhaven Fruit Farm. I heard about the great success of Hebridean Smokehouse, a company rooted in the local community in Uist who are selling to the absolute top end of the market in the UK and Lossiemouth’s Windswept Brewery who in just 18 months have made fantastic strides picking up awards for their beer along the way.
From the Highland and Islands to Galloway and the Borders you do not have to go far in Scotland to find something truly unique. Showcasing Scotland’s food and drink under one roof the Highland Show makes it even more accessible.
The UK Government is also committed to showcasing our food and drink across the globe Through our extensive diplomatic and trade network we’re working hard to open up new markets like lamb and beef to China, and we are ensuring this unique produce like Orkney Island Cheddar is internationally protected. This has helped double international food and drink trade in the past decade. In the years ahead there is much more to do, our Food and Drink International Action Plan is part of the government’s overall ambition to raise UK exports to £1 trillion and to get more Scottish companies exporting
The food hall is an extremely enjoyable part of a day at the Highland Show and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t been to do so next year. It is a great inspiration for aspiring cooks like myself and also for many more who aspire to having their own stand amongst the elite of Scotland’s food and drink sector.
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