Taste of local food awards have ambitions for Scotland-wide take-up

Producers from Skye and Lochalsh hope that an innovative Taste of Local Food Award scheme, that rewards businesses showing a high commitment to the use and promotion of local food, could be rolled out across Scotland.

The awards are presented annually to committed local food business users in the hospitality and retail sector, allowing residents and visitors to find and enjoy the finest, freshest locally produced food in their area, or when on holiday. Dede MacGillivray, awards co-ordinator, said: "We are ambitious for A Taste of Local Food Awards, as we believe it is the only producer nominated scheme in Scotland, where there is no doubt that local food is what you will find when you see a 'Taste Local' plaque."

The Three Chimneys and Bosville Hotel won their respective restaurant and hotel categories for the second year running, with Vanilla Skye winning the retail award and Tigh an Dochais winning best bed and breakfast. An award for the school best engaging in local food projects was picked up by pupils at Broadford Primary school Local Food award winners are listed on an informative website www.tastelocal.co.uk put together with help of a grant from HIE Skye and Wester Ross and LEADE R+. A food link toolkit has recently been added to the site to share best practice, based on the experiences of local producers.

Robert Muir, area director of HIE Skye and Wester Ross said: "We have supported the development of a local food economy for a number of years now, and it is heartening to see that not only is there is a groundswell of interest across Scotland for local food, but that others are realising the potential benefits to tourism." The criteria for nomination is not just based on volume of sales but range of produce supplied, regular orders, and a strong commitment to supporting and promoting local food. This allows smaller businesses who support local food producers to be recognised as well.

Dede MacGillivray, vice chair of the Food Link group and awards co-ordinator added: "This is only the second year of the awards and already we are seeing an increase in the use and promotion of local food. It's great to see so many businesses giving their customers a taste of local food and we hope this will encourage others to see the benefits. "Even if it is only a relatively small touch to start, such as offering a breakfast of locally produced eggs, bacon or fish, serving local jam, or a welcome gift of local fudge, it is this attention to detail that makes a lasting impression on visitors. We are keen to roll this out, initially in Wester Ross, and would love to hear from anyone interested in running a producers' award scheme in their area."

 More info on Skye and Lochalsh Food Link and the awards can be found at www.tastelocal.co.uk