Richard Lochhead Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment launched the first Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Forum of the year (Monday 28 January), setting out his vision for a strong vibrant food and drink economy in Scotland.

Mr Lochhead spoke of the role of government and the importance of working in partnership with the public and private sector, in growing the food, drink and primary sectors in the Highlands and Islands.

“To succeed in today’s globally competitive market, Scotland’s businesses more than ever need to act with greater collective vision, with more consistent and coherent support from government and our agencies,” he said.

Highlands and Islands Food Forum chair, Dennis Overton, said: “Partnership working between the public and private sector is often cited as vital in developing the food and drink sector.

“This was a great opportunity for local businesses to hold an open discussion with those who have a huge influence on the development of the food and drink industry within the Highlands and Islands.”

Currently, the value of the food and drink industry in the Highlands and Islands is in excess of £1billion per annum and supports over 7,000 full time jobs across the region.

Mark Georgeson, HIE senior food and drink development manager said: “The Highlands and Islands is blessed with a wide range of prime quality products including fish and shellfish, meat and dairy products, biscuits, confectionery, whisky and beer.

“It has an equally diverse business profile, from the internationally renowned Baxters of Speyside to small innovative producers supplying niche markets; it is an industry that is keen and willing to expand.”

Presenting the view from the industry, Edgar Balfour managing director of Orkney Meat Ltd, told of his experiences in building the Orkney brand. He also considered what the private sector needs to help it grow and how he sees the industry developing in the future.

Paul McLaughlin, the new chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink (SFD), gave a good insight into how SFD will work with industry to maximise the benefits of skilled food and drink producers, who are creating products from the finest resources.

The HIE Food Forum, held at the Inverness Caledonian Thistle stadium, hit a record turnout with 75 industry representatives attending, and was joined by video link from five locations around the Highlands and Islands.