As the first grouse head for London this morning on the Glorious 12th, staff at Harrods are preparing for the launch of their ten-day Scottish food promotion 'Clearly Caledonian'.

Sylvie Main, a food development manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), took delivery of the freshly shot Balnagown grouse at Inverness Airport this morning.  HIE and Scottish Enterprise are supporting the event through Scottish Food & Drink.
 
It meant an early start for shooters at Balnagown, who were out on the moor at 4am in order to have the grouse at Inverness Airport in time for the 7am flight to London.

When Sylvie touches down in London her next stop is the famous Knightsbridge store - owned by Balnagowan Laird, Mohammed Al Fayed - where her arrival with the game birds at 12 noon will herald the start of the 'Clearly Caledonian' promotion.

The first day of the event will feature the Harrods Pipers, food and drink tastings and cookery demonstrations in the Harrods Food Halls.  It will also coincide with the launch of the new Balnagown range of Scottish produce.

The event features produce from around fifty Scottish companies including Baxters of Speyside, Walkers of Aberlour, Ashers Bakery Limited, Struan Apiaries and the Islay Fine Food Company.

Commenting on the event, Sylvie said: "Both HIE and Scottish Enterprise are delighted to be helping Harrods with this unique event.  Harrods receives thousands of visitors every day, which makes it the ideal location to promote the best of Scottish food and drink.

"The 'Clearly Caledonian' promotion will help to raise the profile of the companies taking part and we hope it will result in an increase in business for them too."

Harrods chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed said: "I have always had a special fondness for Scotland - it's people are very agreeable, the countryside is spectacular and the history is rich and unique - a combination which makes my home in the Scottish Highlands one of my most favourite places.

"Scotland has untold riches to offer, most especially as the producer of some of the finest foods in the United Kingdom.  I am very proud that Harrods is able to host this event to showcase the very finest Scottish produce."

Maggie McGinlay, director of Food & Drink, Scottish Enterprise said: "Scotland has many famous food and drink brands but the promotion at Harrods, which will also highlight some of our excellent smaller producers, can only further enhance the country's reputation as the home of top quality food and drink."