Scotland is a land of food and drink. Whether it’s the luxurious taste of a freshly smokes salmon or the distinctive aroma of a single malt whisky, there’s something undeniably iconic about the offerings from Scotland’s food and drink larder.
Our local produce is a massive draw for visitors and earns plaudits around the world. When the International Culinary Tourism Association unveiled its first major report earlier this year, it cited Scotland as one of the planet’s most “unique, memorable and interesting places” for food and drink – giving an impressive stamp of approval to the country’s gastronomy heritage and local produce. Statistics show that £1 in every £5 spent by a visitor in Scotland is on food & drink related activity- this equates to more than £500M for UK visitors alone.
The period from May 2010 to May 2011 was designated as ‘Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink’ by the Scottish Government – an initiative designed to promote the strong role that food and drink has played, and continues to play, in shaping Scotland’s cultural identity and heritage.
As part of the Year of Food and Drink initiative, EventScotland worked closely with the Events & Tourism industry to extend and enhance the food and drink experience at over 30 events throughout the country over the year, and to spotlight the best produce and food experiences in Scotland.
Amongst the events which received support as part of Scotland’s Year of food and Drink were Dundee Flower and Food Festival, EatBute, East Renfrewshire Food and Drink Festival which all featured as part of Scotland’s gastronomy showcase Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight. EventScotland also supported Festival in the Sky; a unique dining experience featuring a 22-person dining table suspended high above the Edinburgh skyline.
EventScotland supports a range of regional whisky festivals across Scotland including the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival which celebrated its 10th birthday back in 2009. The festival’s success allowed it to graduate to the International Funding Programme due to its focussed expansion and development.
