The Scotsman's Scran Awards took place for the second year recently. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with the great and good of the Scottish food and drink industry.
The shortlisted businesses and individuals are testament to the vibrant and thriving industry. I wanted to get a couple of the winners to come on Scran to talk about their business and explain what the awards mean for them and their teams.
First up I am joined by Chef Neil Forbes Cafe St Honore in Edinburgh who picked up the coveted award of 'Outstanding Contribution to the Industry'.
Neil talks about his long and varied career as well as his love for traditional Scottish fayre and quality local produce. Neil's not shy with his opinions on modern dining but his passion for his craft and his desire to create a rewarding dining experience for his customers is clear.
Blair Sterrick UK Sales Manager for Isle of Harris Distillers also joins me to chat about their wins. They picked up 'Best Spirit' for Harris Gin and 'Best Whisky' for The Hearach.
Blair talks me through how the distillery was set up with the explicit intention of creating industry on the island to help sustain the working population and combat depopulation.
We talk about their hugely popular Harris Gin both for the liquid but also that distinctive bottle and about The Hearach which is relatively new on the block and now too making waves in the whisky world. I also uncover an exclusive story about a new bottle that will be available very soon.
We’d love to hear from you for the next season’s episodes.
If you have an opinion about anything we discuss, get in touch with your comments. Drop us a message on the Scotsman Food and Drink Facebook page, or contact me on Twitter @RosalindErskine or via email using rosalind.erskine@jpimedia.co.uk.
Scran season 7: From San Fran to Stockbridge - opening Avery with Rodney Wages
Bonus Scran: Previewing the best of food, farming and rural life at The Royal Highland Show 2024
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