WATCH: Taster of Inverness is a huge hit with MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin
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A new initiative to showcase leading food and drinks producers in and around Inverness welcomed foodies to the Highland capital this week.
Organised by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN), Taster of Inverness brought together creative writers and social media specialists from all over the UK.
Speakers included MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin, who was 'thrilled' to be a part of the new event.
She said: "I was absolutely blown away by the amount of local producers that turned up to promote what amazing produce they have and I think its really important for us as a community to shout about these businesses.
"It's great that food tourism is finally being seen as a huge potential market, obviously Inverness and Loch Ness doesn't need to promote themselves as a tourist destination, but when people come here they want the whole experience and food tourism is a huge part of that.
"I think what makes the local Highland produce special is that it's very much based on landscape and place. Everyone has come from their native area and I think that part of it is what makes it so special and local.
"The Taster of Inverness event has been really exciting for a foodie person like me to see what's out there, what ingredients we can use and it was an absolutely great day."
Other profound foodies also attended the event, like food author Ghillie Basan, Scotland Food and Drink’s Fiona Richmond, and local food and drink content creators Haim and Awa.
Bad Girl Bakery was one of the many well known Inverness-based food businesses that went along. The bakery has built a reputation on its phenomenal cakes as well as its glowing review from celebrity Nigella Lawson.
Bakery owner Jeni Iannetta said: "We joined the event because we are huge supporters of the many local food industries in the Highlands, so when we were asked to be involved we were really delighted.
"I'm proud of the quality of stuff we produce. We spend a lot of time developing new recipes and making things, but in terms of standing out in this event, I think we are just so privileged to be here.
"There have been so many amazing local producers, so we are just delighted to be amongst some great company."
