Scottish Food highlighted in week-long London celebration with HRH The Duke of Rothesay, top chefs, and media

A week of events showcasing the best of Scotland’s food and drink culminated today with a visit from HRH The Duke of Rothesay.

London’s prestigious Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has been serving delicacies produced by suppliers from the North Highlands all week, prepared by Executive Chef Philip Corrick. Club members and guests celebrated Burns Night on Wednesday; members of the national media met food suppliers and tasted their way through a range of dishes on Thursday; and chefs from establishments including The Ritz and The Dorchester joined HRH The Duke of Rothesay on Friday for a showcase of Scottish fare.

Companies displaying their products included: Keltic Seafare, Ardgay Game, Mey Selections, Wester Ross Fisheries Ltd, Summer Isles Foods, Caithness Biscuits, Highland Fine Cheeses, Connage Highland Cheeses, Reids of Caithness, North Ronaldsay Mutton and Glenmorangie.

This showcase of Scottish food and drink was designed to illustrate the quality and selection of food and drink produce originating from Scotland and to encourage people to add Scottish products to their weekly shop; and chefs to use them in their establishments.

In 2005 The Duke of Rothesay launched the North Highland Initiative (NHI) to promote and develop the economy and support the rural communities of the North Highlands. The Mey Selections brand itself is part of the NHI and was developed to enhance the marketing presence of produce from the North Highlands area in niche food markets.

Cameron Sutherland, Head of Food and Drink, Northern Europe, Scottish Development International said “London is a showcase for the best food and drink products in the UK. This week-long focus on Scotland's food and drink from the North Highlands positions Scotland as "The Land of Food and Drink" with a focus on premium suppliers and products which are much loved by both Chefs and consumers."

David Whiteford, Chair of The North Highland Initiative added: "This is a tremendous opportunity to exhibit the wonderful produce of the North Highlands to a group of distinguished and influential chefs and media. This, in turn, can only highlight the unique skills of our diverse range of talented local producers; who have taken part with real enthusiasm. We are, of course, delighted that HRH The Duke of Rothesay, who is an ardent and long standing supporter of local producers in the area, kindly agreed to attend.

"We are also grateful to our partners in this event, Scottish Development International who have been instrumental in setting it up; and to the RAC Club in London who are great long term supporters."