Scotland: National Rural Network
Connecting Rural Scotland - Promoting Rural Growth

Highlands and Islands Food & Drink businesses are being reminded that there are just over two weeks remaining until the closing date on 20th July for the prestigious Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards.

Gary Williamson, managing director of Williamson Foodservice and title sponsor of the event, said: "Its been good to see a healthy response from businesses and organisations across the area for this year's Awards. I'd encourage all businesses across the Highlands and Islands to enter - this industry endorsement for your business or product is a great boost for staff morale and an excellent way to enhance your marketing campaigns too."

The Awards, sponsored by Williamson Foodservice, organised by the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Forum, and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scotland Food & Drink, celebrate excellence and achievement in the food and drink industry in the Highlands and Islands.

Last year, the Storehouse of Fowlis, Ross-shire, won the ‘Best Use of Local Food Award', sponsored by John M Munro. Commenting on their win, Michelle Stevens of The Storehouse said, "Winning the award last year for best use of local produce was a fantastic boost for our staff and recognised all the hard work that is involved with dealing with multiple local producers rather than bulk buying from one large organisation. Sourcing locally is an important part of our businesses ethos and is hugely valued by our customers and we were delighted that this was recognised. The award has also highlighted our commitment to local producers which has allowed us to expand our stock considerably over the last year."

Food and Drink Award categories this year are: Best Use of Local Food and Drink Award, Partnerships for Success, Environment Award, Healthier Food and Drink Award, Innovation Award, New Product Award, People Development through Skills Award, Taste of the Highlands & Islands Restaurant of the Year Award, Distance No Object , New Business Award, Young Ambassador of the Year Award.

Jim Cowie of The Captain's Galley in Scrabster, Caithness, which won the 2008 Taste of the Highlands and Islands Restaurant of the Year Award sponsored by the Press and Journal, urged people to enter, saying, "I would urge people to enter the Awards because it offers a potential level of publicity that is difficult for small businesses to afford. Many local suppliers in the Highlands and Islands have a tremendous depth of knowledge in their respective fields, and genuinely fantastic products as a result. The Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards is an excellent vehicle to help showcase both the businesses and their products."

For further information on the Awards and how to enter, phone 0845 838 2748 or visit the Food and Drink Awards website.