The spectacular success of the 'Food from the Highlands' marquee at the Black Isle Show in recent years has prompted organisers Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) and the Black Isle Farmers Society to take on a new challenge and move into a new sector at this years event.

The food marquee has become a regular and popular feature of recent Black Isle Shows which is now Scotland's biggest one-day agricultural show. Over 15,000 people each year visit the dozen or so food and drink producers from Ross and Cromarty and the wider Highlands and Islands who exhibit there.

The tasty attraction will again draw the crowds as a fully illustrated 'Recipes for the Millennium' cookery book is launched. Dishes taken from the book will be served up by top exhibition cook Wendy Barrie and local chef Christopher Bentley at demonstrations taking place in the food marquee throughout the day.

The book which has been funded by RACE and the European funded LEADER II programme, features a mouth-watering selection of recipes using local produce from Ross and Cromarty and is priced at £2.99.

Drawing on this past success, RACE is branching out and giving the crafts marquee a new look and boost this year.

Food and drink manager at RACE Catherine Brady explained: "We have worked closely with the Black Isle Farmers Society to jointly market the food marquee in recent years and it is a similar joint partnership which will see the crafts marquee rejuvenated to reflect the high quality and standard of craft producers in the area.

"The crafts marquee has always been our next door neighbour at the Black Isle Show and as this sector is also important economically for the area, it makes sense that RACE plays a part in its promotion and organisation."

Crafts exhibited will include: stained glass; painted tiles; decoupage works; knitwear; ceramics and earthenware; engraved glass; wooden toys; clocks; jewellery; and hand painted silks and suncatchers.

The art of clogmaking will be demonstrated throughout the day, and visitors will have the opportunity to 'throw' their own pots which will be taken to Cromarty for firing and posted out to their creators later.

Catherine Brady said: "The two marquees will complement each other in that part of the show field and offer visitors lots to see and do. The cookery demonstrations will highlight the abundance of excellent quality produce available locally. The chefs will use the food and drink on display in the marquee as the basis for many of their recipes."

The food and drink marquee which is sponsored by Ross and Cromarty Enterprise, Inverness and Nairn Enterprise and The Highland Council, will have businesses exhibiting malt whisky, Scottish wines, beer, and a host of fine foods including meat; honey; preserves; muesli; herbs; organic soft fruit; bakery products and seafood.

Both marquees will be open to the public for the charity preview evening on Wednesday 2nd August and all day on Thursday 3rd August.