Scotland to hold salmon festival
Designed to help enhance Scotland’s culinary reputation and increase awareness of the country’s rich natural larder, the Year of Food and Drink is led by VisitScotland, with support from Scotland Food & Drink, on behalf of the Scottish Government.
On behalf of Scotland’s Salmon Festival, Dr Melanie Smith, head of research and postgraduate development at Inverness College UHI, said: “We’re delighted to have secured funding support from Year of Food and Drink Scotland 2015, creating an excellent opportunity for Scotland’s Salmon Festival to work alongside fellow recipients throughout the country to promote the food and drink we’re so proud of producing. “Organised by Inverness College UHI and representatives from the Scottish salmon industry, September’s festival will explore and celebrate the story of the iconic Atlantic salmon in Scotland. The programme is set to include an International Symposium, a casting competition and a fair, offering a unique occasion for everyone from academics and fishing fanatics to families and foodies to celebrate Scottish salmon together.” It is estimated that Scotland’s food and drink tourism industry is worth an estimated £1700 per minute to the economy. Events provide the perfect opportunity for Scots and visitors to Scotland to experience the nation’s renowned local produce in the country where it was made.
Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: “The Year of Food and Drink 2015 has already excited and surprised visitors and locals with many fantastic events showcasing the best of Scotland’s produce. This diverse new programme of mouth-watering events, many of which have been created especially for 2015, will give even more people the chance to enjoy our fabulous produce and help boost the phenomenal success of our world-renowned food and drink sector.” Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Since it started in January, the Year of Food and Drink 2015 has tempted thousands of locals and visitors alike to sample Scotland’s culinary offering, which is fantastic news for the country’s thriving tourism industry. As well as supporting the funded programme, we are also working with a number of events across the country through our Partner Programme to ensure that there are plenty of mouth-watering ways in which people can get involved in this exciting year.
“2015 is the year we use strengths and assets, like our rich natural larder, to take Scotland to the world.”
