Highland Food and Drink Trail in Inverness recognised at Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards
An Inverness-based food and drinks initiative was recognised at the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards for its work developing new businesses in the Highlands.
The Highland Food and Drink Trail received one of only two Highly commended certificates for its efforts in promoting emerging businesses, helping them grow from home-based new starts to businesses with their own premises.
Run by Douglas Hardie and Lesley Strang, the trail was set up in 2022 as a collaborative project that involved Scotland Food and Drink, Highland Council, Visit Inverness Loch Ness and LNER.
The business provides space at a dedicated Street Food Zone by the River Ness, and organises Street Food Villages at major local events - including Moy Country Fair, The Inverness Highland Games and many more - as a showcase for their members.
Douglas Hardie: “We are absolutely delighted to have our work recognised by the industry in this way. The other entrants in the Regional Food category are doing such amazing things, we were both surprised and honoured to get such a special mention.
“We have to thank all our amazing members for their commitment and dedication in making this happen, and to give a special mention to David Haas, the Senior Community Development Manager at Highland Council for championing the Trail from the very start.”
The Awards are a major event for Scottish producers and national retailers, celebrating the best of Scottish food and drink.
The judges were impressed that HFDT had not just brought a brand new eating experience to Inverness, but were committed to, and had a proven track record, of developing brand new food and drink businesses from start-up to first premises.
