Scottish Food And Drink Fortnight

From the shellfish in Orkney to Edinburgh's award-winning Farmers' Market and the fresh fruit found in the Scottish Borders, foodies are spoilt for choice come September as Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight gets into full swing.

SEPTEMBER 2009

Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight focuses on cooking and eating good quality, nutritious food. From Highland venison and Aberdeen Angus beef to Shetland mussels, Loch Fyne oysters, Isle of Mull cheese and Arbroath strawberries, Scotland’s natural larder is bursting season to season with perhaps the best selection of ingredients in the world; this is your opportunity to find out for yourself how good food can be.

The programme of events this year will include farmers' markets, exhibitions, samplings, and debates on attracting the best talent into the food and drink industry. For more information, visit the Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight website.

September also sees the Isle of Mull and its tiny neighbour Iona launch the 9th Taste of Mull & Iona Food Festival. With the rich, west coast waters all around them; it's no surprise the Inner Hebrides are producing such a wealth of superbly fresh and good quality food. Make your way to Tobermory where, last year, events included producer meet-and-greets, farmers markets, fantastic discounts at local eateries, oyster farm tours and much more. Visit the website to find out more.

Further south eatBute takes over the magnificent Mount Stuart, the stunning stately home near Rothesay on the Isle of Bute for the weekend of 11 - 13 September, where the finest produce of Argyll and Bute will be showcased against this stunning backdrop. From 12 to 20 September the Eastwood Park in Giffnock is home to the East Renfrewshire Food Festival where well-known chefs and local foodie professionals will highlight the range of tasty treats on offer right across the region.

Organic and sustainable food is certainly on Scotland's culinary radar, particularly at festivals like Living Food. Taking place at Cawdor Castle, near Inverness on 26 September, this four year old festival has already set an incredibly high benchmark by which organic and sustainable produce is managed. Held in marquees in the grounds of this splendid castle, the event's focus is on awareness and will include industry lectures, guest speakers, live music and undoubtedly cookery demonstrations and tasting sessions. What could be a better way to spend an autumnal day?

There are many more opportunities to sample Scotland's finest produce throughout autumn, with events taking place up and down the country. The Dundee Flower & Food Festival (4 - 6 September 2009) brings you the best of Scottish food, entertainment and horticulture over 3 days as celebrity chefs and gardeners demonstrate their talents.  Of course whisky is perhaps Scotland's most famous food stuff, so sample at dram at the Isle of Barra Whisky Galore Festival (18 - 20 September 2009) on the beautiful Hebridean island and experience its famous hospitality, or head to The Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival (25 - 28 September 2009) just after Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight for crafts fairs, tastings and a rare malt auction. Finally, 12 September sees Whisky Live visit Glasgow. The biggest whisky tasting event in the country; enjoy expert advice, master classes, live entertainment and lesser spotted malts a plenty.

For more information on these festivals, or indeed to find out about a host of other food events in Scotland, visit EatScotland.