Food and drink producers across the Highlands and Islands are being promoted in a new guide for buyers.

The 'Guide to Food and Drink from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland' has been published this week by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, to help promote the sector to buyers across the UK and abroad.

It lists 198 producers covering bakery and cereal, confectionery, dairy produce, drinks, fruit and vegetables, meat poultry and game, preserves and sauces, and seafood.

Among those listed are Islay Fine Foods, Hebridean Brewing, the Nairn-based Really Garlicky Company.  The Guide also includes Hebridean Toffee of Barra, whose products are already sold in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges in London.

Sylvie Main if HIE said:  "The environment of the Highlands and Islands, and the quality of food and drink products that this yields, is a major attraction for buyers and a very useful marketing tool for producers.  The Guide is aimed at making it easier for buyers to access the full range of food and drink delicacies produced across the area.

"The fact that there are almost 200 companies covering such a wide range of products is extremely encouraging in itself.  We believe there is huge potential to help these companies continue and grow in the future, by bringing buyers and producers together to do business."

The guide will be available free at the Speciality and Fine Food Fair in London this Sunday (8th September), or from Sylvie Main at HIE on 01463 244225.