Food and drink

The Scottish Rural Network (SRN) recently hosted a visit from a group of Estonian farmers and academics which saw them visiting projects and businesses across western and central Scotland, including Mull.

The SRN put together a programme of visits for the group based on their interests, predominantly sheep farming and slaughterhouses, as the group are in the process of setting up an abattoir on the Estonian island of Muhu.

Short videos from Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER showcase some of the inspiring projects that have been supported by the programme.

The videos highlight the Highland Safari, Scottish Tea Factory, Loch Earn Railway Path and Strathearn Cider Company projects.

Last week the Scottish Rural Network (SRN) hosted a visit from a group of 10 Danish Local Action Group (LAG) members from the Jammerbugt-Vesthimmerland region who wanted to visit LEADER funded projects in Scotland. They were specifically interested in the food development and sustainable growth fields and wanted an insight into projects that have been successful in this area, in particular any challenges they have faced/overcome and any learning or networking they could glean from this experience.

There is still time to book your spot on one of four exciting free project visits taking place as part of the Scottish Rural Parliament 2018 in Stranraer.​

On 14 November you can join groups on the following project visits:

Last week’s Forth Valley Food Fest inspired thousands of locals and tourists to reconnect with the land; from picking pumpkins in Arnprior and milking goats in Port of Menteith, to community garden tours at the University and shopping for local produce at farmers’ markets.

A food growing programme which donates fresh fruit and vegetables to the Clydesdale Food Bank celebrated a successful harvest with a big thank you lunch for local producers at Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI) last week.

Cork chef, Jack Crotty, known locally as ‘The Rocket Man’, has come to the rescue of Stirling’s online food market with a new e-commerce platform, NeighbourFood.

In a new initiative by the Scottish Government, young people will have the chance to learn where their food comes from, how it gets from farm to fork, and raise their awareness of Scotland’s rural economy.

The Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment, Mairi Gougeon, recently attended West Craigie Farm near Queensferry with pupils from Queensferry Primary School. She said: 

The 2018 Scottish Rural Parliament will take place in Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway on 14th– 16th November. If you live in or are passionate about rural areas in Scotland, you can attend to learn and make your voice heard. This year's theme is "Taking Action".

The event brings together people from rural communities with decision-makers, for three days of celebration and exploration. Participants examine a wide-range of issues affecting rural communities and make recommendations for change.