Opportunities to build food tourism in North-east Scotland will be the focus for a dining event at one of the region’s newest destination venues later this month.
The next North East Food & Drink Network Dining Event at The Barn @ Barra Castle, near Oldmeldrum, on Wednesday June 28, organised by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeenshire Council, will bring together local food and drink producers, hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs to create new business connections to enhance the use of local produce in the foodservice sector and help develop the food tourism offering in the region. This year’s series of dining events builds on the success of the networking events previously organised by the Grampian Food Forum.
ONE aims to capitalise on the regions significant strengths in food, drink, fishing and agriculture and accelerate growth in the sector through projects addressing business growth, innovation, supply chain integration, market development and skills. ONE co-funds its work with private and public partners, including Aberdeenshire Council, Scotland Food & Drink and Scottish Enterprise, to maximise investment into the sector’s future.
Food and drink is highlighted as a key sector in the Regional Economic Strategy and Aberdeenshire Council’s new Economic Development Action Plan. The Council is working in partnership with ONE to develop the food, drink, agricultural and fisheries sectors along with supporting initiatives which promote healthy food and reduce the carbon footprint of food production.
Situated in the grounds of a 16th century tower house, The Barn @ Barra Castle opened this year, blends contemporary and traditional features, and provides views of Bennachie, Aberdeenshire and Strathdon. Husband and wife team David and Sarah Stephen renovated their much-loved family home, Barra Castle, and now they are on a mission to share this unique setting with visitors and guests to the Barra Farm Shop, The Lodges and The Barn.
Peter Cook, ONE’s director of Food, Drink & Agriculture, said: “This month’s dining event will help to build the producer, foodservice and tourism network in the North-east. Developing our food tourism offering could deliver more visitors and more spending on local produce. This aim is part of ONE’s wider agenda to grow the food, drink and agriculture sector, which is a critical component of the regional economic renaissance that we are working towards. The Barn at Barra Castle is an example of how a food producing business can diversify and develop its offering to showcase produce, provenance and the region, and become a destination.”
Sarah Stephen said: “The Barn @ Barra Castle is delighted to be hosting this event. We're excited to be offering a pop up street food style event, which showcases the versatility of Aberdeenshire’s newest venue. As food producers ourselves, we are passionate about championing the amazing array of products, suppliers and services in our area. We look forward to welcoming delegates on June 28.”
Further details of the event and booking information can be found in the news section of the www.opportunitynortheast.com website or by contacting Elizabeth Mathie, project manager – food, drink and agriculture at ONE, at elizabeth.mathie@opportunitynortheast.com.